Who is the mystery co-pilot behind the Flydubai attack?

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported on 3 October 2026 that investigators were examining the identity and background of the Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain on Flight FZ1073, a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv service carrying 174 people. The article said the man has been identified in media reports as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national, though there has been no official confirmation of his identity or beliefs. The United Arab Emirates has described the incident as an attempted terrorist operation, while investigators are still working to determine the motive and whether anyone else was involved.

According to the report, the attack happened on Wednesday after the aircraft had departed Dubai and was cruising at high altitude. Flight-tracking data showed it dropped sharply before crew and passengers intervened. The captain, Smit Machchhar of India, told officials he was seriously wounded in the cockpit but managed to open the door so others could enter and overpower the co-pilot. The plane was then stabilized and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, before the crew members received medical attention.

The article said questions have emerged about the accused pilot’s aviation history. Citing media reports, it noted claims that Oman had previously barred him from flying because of concerns over alleged extremist views, though the nature of those concerns was not made public. The UAE attorney general said prosecutors are examining the attack, possible connections and technical evidence. The case has also renewed scrutiny of pilot vetting and airline security in the region.