{
  "id": 12061476,
  "title": "‘Planned it even before I was hired’: What Flydubai co-pilot told investigators days after tragedy averted",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/planned-it-even-before-i-was-hired-what-flydubai-co-pilot-told",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-05T02:40:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Mint",
    "slug": "live-mint",
    "url": "https://www.livemint.com/news/world/planned-attack-before-i-was-hired-what-flydubai-co-pilot-told-investigators-days-after-tragedy-averted-11791167278085.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On September 30, 2023, an alleged mid-air attack on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv occurred, with co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami accused of assaulting Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe. According to al-Hammami, he intended to crash the aircraft into a US military base in Jordan, but changed his plans after forming a friendship with a crew member. The co-pilot also reportedly planned to kill Machchhar before taking control of the plane. The attack took place aboard flight FZ1073, during which Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to restrain al-Hammami. An emergency landing was made in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The Flydubai co-pilot stated he had planned the attack even before he was hired, suggesting premeditation. He claimed he chose Flydubai because the airline flew to Tel Aviv, indicating an interest in working with airlines operating in the region. Investigations have been initiated by intelligence and security agencies in the UAE, Israel, and Saudi Arabia, with details emerging daily. Al-Hammami's alleged motive for the attack remains unclear, but he may have acted as a lone wolf. A LinkedIn profile linked to the suspect shows he had worked at Oman Air for seven years before joining Moroccan airline Royal Air Maroc in June 2025. The Australian Federal Police are also investigating al-Hammami's possible links to Australia.",
  "summary": "The Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar mid-air allegedly planned the attack before joining the airline. Investigators are probing his previous trips to Israel, career history, possible motive and links to Australia.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}