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FlyDubai Attacker Had Been Banned From Flying by Oman for Radical Views: Report
Oman had previously barred the co-pilot over extremist concerns, and investigators in the United Arab Emirates are examining possible terrorism links.
- On Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, a Flydubai co-pilot allegedly stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar aboard Flight FZ1073, sending the Boeing 737 MAX 8 into a rapid descent before passengers and reserve pilots landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Omani authorities previously barred the co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, from flying due to concerns about extremist views, yet Flydubai hired the Omani national for the sensitive Dubai–Tel Aviv route.
- Captain Machchhar, though seriously injured, unlocked the cockpit door to allow passengers to restrain the attacker; the suspect is now in the United Arab Emirates "cooperating" with investigators examining whether he acted alone.
- Flydubai suspended all flights to Israel until October 15, while Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev ordered a formal review of airline operations and Etihad Airways organized repatriation for stranded passengers.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alleged the attacker underwent "Islamist radical indoctrination," but security officials report no evidence of Iranian involvement despite U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion of possible Tehran links.
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The investigation revealed that the co-pilot attacked the captain with an axe and tried to take control of the plane. Passengers broke into the cockpit and incapacitated him.
·Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources351
Leaning Left49Leaning Right51Center80Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Center
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources are Center
45% Center
L 27%
C 45%
R 28%
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