FlyDubai Copilot Accused of Ax Attack, Hijacking Attempt During Flight to Israel
A FlyDubai copilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national, attacked the captain with an ax and attempted to seize control of the aircraft during a flight bound for Israel. The copilot had reportedly been barred from flying by Oman…
Philadelphia, PA, October 3, 2026 — An incident involving an ax attack and an attempted hijacking occurred aboard a FlyDubai flight en route to Israel, leading to an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The copilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national, is accused of assaulting the captain with an ax and attempting to take control of the aircraft during the flight.
Following the mid-air altercation, the flight was diverted, making an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Details regarding the specific airport in Saudi Arabia where the landing occurred were not immediately available.
The copilot, Hamam al-Hammami, reportedly faced prior professional sanctions. According to reports, he had been previously barred from flying by Oman Air. The reason cited for this restriction was concerns related to extremist views.
The airline, FlyDubai, has not released a detailed statement concerning the incident or the specific charges against the copilot. Information on the condition of the captain or any other crew members and passengers aboard the flight was not provided.
Investigations into the motives and circumstances surrounding the alleged attack are expected to follow the emergency landing and the securing of the aircraft and its occupants. The incident raises significant questions regarding aviation security protocols and the vetting of flight personnel.
Further information regarding the investigation, the legal proceedings against the copilot, and the status of the passengers and crew is pending. The exact timeline of events, including when the alleged ax attack occurred relative to the flight’s departure and the decision to divert, was not specified in the available information. The specific nature of the concerns that led Oman Air to bar al-Hammami from flying was also not detailed. The identities of the flight crew, beyond the accused copilot, were not released. The flight’s intended destination was Israel. The outcome of the flight’s passengers and crew after the landing in Saudi Arabia is yet to be fully clarified. The specific aircraft type and flight number were not provided. The airline’s official response to the incident is anticipated to clarify these details.
Story summarized from the original created by Samy Magdy, Sam Mednick, and Cara Anna on www.inquirer.com, see more information here.
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