UAE Calls Flydubai Cockpit Attack Attempted Terrorism

The UAE says the co-pilot of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a cockpit crash axe and tried to seize control in what officials described as an attempted terrorist act. The plane plunged steeply and diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers, crew and off-duty pilots to restrain the co-pilot before an emergency landing, and all 182 people aboard survived. Media reports identified the suspect as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami and said Oman had previously removed him from flying duties over concerns about extremist views, though some details remain unverified. Investigators are examining possible motives, connections and evidence, but the suspect’s motive has not been established. UAE and Israeli officials praised Machchhar, while early descriptions of the event as a fight or incident drew criticism from Israeli officials and commentators. Flydubai temporarily suspended Tel Aviv service, and Israel said it would increase security checks on pilots flying to the country.