The Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking Indian Captain Smit Machchhar during Flight FZ1073 has been identified as Omani national Hamam Al-Hammami, according to reports citing sources familiar with the investigation. Israeli officials are expected to question him as part of a UAE-led probe into the incident, including the suspect’s background and possible motive.
The Dubai–Tel Aviv flight was carrying 174 passengers and crew when the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar in the cockpit on September 30. The aircraft reportedly entered a steep descent of more than 16,000 feet in around 30 seconds. Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to restrain the attacker. A reserve Flydubai pilot who was travelling on the flight then helped land the aircraft safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi authorities detained the co-pilot before transferring him to the UAE on October 1. Israeli investigators are expected to join the UAE-led investigation to examine what happened, the suspect’s background and whether the incident involved terrorist activity, prior planning or outside direction. Authorities have not yet established a final motive.
Reports have also raised questions about Al-Hammami’s previous aviation history. ABC News, citing senior intelligence and law-enforcement officials, reported that he was identified as a security risk while training with Oman Air in 2024 after allegedly being found with extremist material. He was reportedly suspended from flying for a period but continued working in an administrative role. Other reports say he was later allowed to return to aviation and eventually joined Flydubai. Investigators are examining how he was subsequently cleared to operate as a commercial pilot.
Reports citing sources have also linked Al-Hammami to alleged extremist views and a previous period in Syria. These claims remain part of the investigation and have not established a final motive or confirmed whether anyone else was involved.
