UAE probes Flydubai cockpit attack as suspect’s identity remains unconfirmed

The UAE Attorney General has described the attack aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 as an attempted “terrorist act”. The co-pilot is accused of striking Captain Smit Machchhar with an emergency axe and trying to take control of the aircraft during Wednesday’s flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

Passengers and crew restrained the co-pilot. Two reserve pilots took over and landed the aircraft safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The captain was injured.

Media reports identify the accused as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, but UAE officials have not confirmed his identity or alleged beliefs. The Wall Street Journal reported that Oman had barred him from flying over concerns about alleged extremist views. CNN separately reported that he had been removed from flight training over similar concerns.

The UAE investigation is examining the incident’s circumstances, motive, possible planning and any connections to others, as well as technical, physical and digital evidence. Investigators have not publicly established whether the accused acted alone.

Flydubai flights to Israel remain suspended during the investigation.