The FlyDubai co‑pilot accused of stabbing the captain and attempting to crash a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight is being questioned in the UAE after an emergency landing in Tabuk. Passengers and two off‑duty pilots subdued the co‑pilot; no passengers were seriously injured and the captain sustained stab wounds. Sources identify the suspect as Hamam al Hamami and say he previously trained with Oman Air before being moved to desk duty following visits to radical websites. Israeli officials say preliminary evidence suggests Islamist radicalization, but investigators are still probing whether he acted alone or was directed by others.
FlyDubai Co‑Pilot Accused Of Trying To Crash Dubai–Tel Aviv Flight; Suspect Questioned In UAE
A FlyDubai flight bound for Dubai is seen before taking off from Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv on Sept. 30, 2026. / Credit: Jack GUEZ /AFP via Getty Images
Days after a FlyDubai co‑pilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to crash a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight, authorities in the United Arab Emirates are questioning the suspect while investigators probe his motives and any possible links to extremist networks.
Incident
The Wednesday flight departed Dubai with 172 people on board. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co‑pilot allegedly stabbed the captain as the aircraft approached Israeli airspace and attempted to force a catastrophic descent. The captain managed to struggle free, open the cockpit door and, with the help of passengers and two off‑duty pilots on board, the crew restrained the co‑pilot. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Casualties and Custody
No passengers were reported seriously injured. The captain sustained stab wounds; Saudi authorities reported two crew members were treated in hospital with unspecified injuries. The co‑pilot was detained after the landing, later transferred to UAE custody and is being questioned jointly by Saudi, Emirati and Israeli officials, according to authorities.
Suspect Background
Multiple sources who spoke with U.S. media have named the suspect as Hamam al Hamami, though his identity has not been officially confirmed by authorities. Sources say he entered pilot training with Oman Air but was moved to a desk role after Omani surveillance reported visits to radical websites. He reportedly resigned from Oman Air around 2024 and later relocated to Dubai, where FlyDubai hired him.
Investigators also cite online posts attributed to the suspect, including a video of El Al aircraft in Dubai that ended with an image of Ayman al‑Zawahiri. Buckinghamshire New University confirmed he completed a distance‑learning aviation management course but did not undertake pilot training there.
Investigation and Official Reactions
Israeli officials say preliminary findings point to Islamist radicalization, though they have not publicly released detailed evidence. Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered a security review of international flights to Israel. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the episode as "an attempted jihadist terror attack." Former U.S. President Donald J. Trump suggested a possible Iranian link based on what he had heard, but Israeli authorities have said it is too early to confirm external involvement.
UAE Attorney General: Officials said the co‑pilot attacked the captain using the cockpit emergency axe.
The investigation remains active. Authorities from Israel, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are reviewing digital records, travel histories and witness statements to determine whether the suspect acted alone or under direction from others.
Editor's note: This story was updated to clarify that the pilot resigned from Oman Air and was not fired.
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