{
  "id": 11938799,
  "title": "Co-pilot accused of trying to hijack Flydubai plane probably acted alone, Israeli sources say",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/co-pilot-accused-of-trying-to-hijack-flydubai-plane-probably-acted",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-04T13:40:53.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Egypt Independent",
    "slug": "egypt-independent",
    "url": "https://www.egyptindependent.com/co-pilot-accused-of-trying-to-hijack-flydubai-plane-probably-acted-alone-israeli-sources-say/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Israeli sources have told CNN that the co-pilot accused of attempting to hijack a Flydubai flight and seize control of the aircraft likely acted alone. International investigators are still investigating the motive behind the incident, but according to an Israeli official, the available information suggests the suspect acted alone. Another Israeli source added that at present, there is no known connection between the suspect and any group or government. The allegations come amid US President Donald Trump's statement that the suspect \"could be linked to Iran based on what I’m hearing,\" though he provided no further details. The incident occurred on Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was en route from Dubai to Israel when the co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly tried to take control of the plane. Sources report that the plane plummeted thousands of feet, but passengers and crew quickly intervened in the cockpit, regaining control of the aircraft. Al-Hammami, an Omani national, had previously been removed from a job at Oman’s national airline last year due to concerns about his extremist views. Social media posts by the suspect included an image of Ayman al-Zawahiri, who succeeded Osama Bin Laden as the leader of al Qaeda.",
  "summary": "Tel Aviv — The co-pilot accused of attacking his colleague on board the Flydubai flight to Israel and trying to seize the controls probably acted alone, Israeli sources told CNN. International investigators are still working to determine a motive but an Israeli official said information from the inquiry suggested the suspect acted alone. Another Israeli source … The post Co-pilot accused of…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Live Mint",
        "title": "FlyDubai incident: Co-pilot who attacked Captain Smit Machchhar was removed by Oman Air over radical views? New claims",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/flydubai-incident-co-pilot-who-attacked-captain-smit-machchhar-was",
        "published": "2026-10-04T11:08:18.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Sky News",
        "title": "Flydubai co-pilot: Australian links probed after 'axe attack' on captain",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/flydubai-co-pilot-australian-links-probed-after-axe-attack-on-captain",
        "published": "2026-10-04T12:14:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}