On a routine Flydubai service from Dubai to Tel Aviv, a dramatic in‑flight incident unfolded that could have ended in disaster. According to the United Arab Emirates prosecutor general, the co‑pilot—identified as an Omani national—attacked captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe while the aircraft was cruising at altitude. The assault forced the plane to plunge about 17,000 ft (5,200 m) before passengers and crew wrested control and averted a potential catastrophe.
What happened in the cockpit?
The flight, carrying more than 170 passengers, began its descent roughly two and a half hours after take‑off from Dubai International Airport. The co‑pilot’s violent attempt to seize control triggered a rapid loss of altitude, prompting the aircraft to emit a general emergency signal (squawk 7700) before switching to a hijacking code (squawk 7500). Captain Machchhar, who was injured during the attack, recounted that he was lying on the floor when he realised the plane was sinking and that he “went for one last push to open the door from inside,” enabling passengers to intervene.
Passenger and crew response
Israeli passengers, including a woman named Tali Manes, raised the alarm after hearing commotion from the cockpit. Her husband Zvika and three other men—Yaniv Hayun, Dr Shota Musayev and Asaf Rajuan—entered the cockpit after the captain managed to open the door despite his injuries. Hayun later described putting the attacker in a chokehold, pulling him out of the cockpit, and helping to pin him down while other passengers assisted.
According to statements released by the prime minister’s office, the attacker was attempting to destroy the aircraft’s instruments to disable the plane. After the struggle, the passengers succeeded in pulling the controls, allowing the aircraft to level out and continue its flight.
Injuries and medical follow‑up
Captain Machchhar, who was stabbed during the incident, was taken to a nearby hospital before being airlifted to Abu Dhabi. The Indian embassy in the UAE reported that he was in “good health and recovering well,” and the captain himself expressed confidence in his recovery. The co‑pilot’s identity remains unconfirmed, though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has named him as Hamam al‑Hammami, a claim not yet verified by officials.
Investigation and possible motives
The UAE’s state news agency announced an investigation to determine whether the attack was linked to terrorist activity. Early reports suggested the weapon might have been a knife, but the prosecutor general confirmed it was a crash axe. Media outlets have highlighted the co‑pilot’s prior employment with Oman Air and a reported removal from flight training over concerns about radical views, though these details have not been officially substantiated.
Broader implications
This incident underscores the vulnerability of commercial aviation to insider threats, even on routes with heightened security such as Dubai‑Tel Aviv. It also raises questions about the vetting processes for flight crew members and the protocols for responding to in‑flight aggression. The swift action of passengers and crew prevented what Netanyahu described as a “9/11 disaster,” highlighting the importance of passenger awareness and emergency training.
Key takeaways
- Attack method: The co‑pilot used a crash axe to assault the captain.
- Outcome: Passengers and crew subdued the attacker, stabilised the aircraft, and the captain survived with injuries.
- Investigation: UAE authorities are probing possible terrorist links and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As investigations continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust security measures and emergency preparedness in commercial aviation.