UAE Investigates FlyDubai Co-Pilot for Alleged Terrorist Attack with Crash Axe

UAE investigates FlyDubai co-pilot for alleged terrorist attack using cockpit crash axe, raising concerns over security lapses.

Editorial Desk

October 3, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Cairo, Egypt — The United Arab Emirates is investigating a FlyDubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain with a cockpit crash axe during an Israel-bound flight, according to sources familiar with the situation.

The co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national, was barred from flying by Oman due to extremist concerns and later hired by UAE-based FlyDubai. Officials say he attempted to take control of the plane in what they described as a ‘terrorist attack.’ The incident has raised questions about the airline’s vetting process and regional security measures.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the co-pilot had undergone ‘Islamist radicalization,’ though no evidence was provided. The captain, who was badly injured, managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers to tackle the co-pilot and stabilize the aircraft, which made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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