{
  "id": 12546542,
  "title": "FlyDubai co-pilot accused in Israel-bound flight attack trained in UK, New Zealand: What we know",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/flydubai-co-pilot-accused-in-israel-bound-flight-attack-trained-in-uk",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-07T04:42:07.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Mint",
    "slug": "live-mint",
    "url": "https://www.livemint.com/news/world/flydubai-co-pilot-accused-in-israel-bound-flight-attack-trained-in-uk-new-zealand-what-we-know-11791347508185.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A FlyDubai co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, 29, is under investigation for allegedly attempting a murder-suicide attack on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The co-pilot, who underwent pilot training in the UK and New Zealand, allegedly attacked the captain with an ax, causing the aircraft to plummet over 14,000 feet before passengers and crew intervened. The Israeli government has identified al-Hammami as the co-pilot involved in the incident. Al-Hammami was previously dismissed from Oman Air over concerns about his radical views. New Zealand authorities are investigating his time spent in the country on a student visa, as well as his background and training history. Acron Aviation, the current operator of L3 Airline Academy where al-Hammami received his training, has pledged to assist with the investigation.",
  "summary": "FlyDubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, accused of attacking the captain of an Israel-bound flight, trained in the UK and New Zealand before joining the airline, according to the Telegraph.",
  "key_points": [
    "Hamam al-Hammami, 29, FlyDubai co-pilot under investigation for attempted murder-suicide attack.",
    "Al-Hammami trained in UK and New Zealand for pilot certification.",
    "Israeli government confirms al-Hammami as co-pilot in incident."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The incident highlights potential vulnerabilities in aviation training and recruitment processes, as concerns about the co-pilot's radical views apparently arose before he was hired by FlyDubai.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Guardian Australia",
        "title": "Flydubai attack investigation widens as alleged hijacker’s training in New Zealand scrutinised",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/flydubai-attack-investigation-widens-as-alleged-hijackers-training-in",
        "published": "2026-10-07T05:25:10.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}