FlyDubai Co-Pilot Allegedly Attacked Captain, Attempted Takeover of Israel-Bound Flight

Fresno Visalia, CA, October 3, 2026 — A disruptive incident occurred on a FlyDubai flight bound for Israel, involving an alleged axe attack by the co-pilot on the captain and an attempt to seize control of the aircraft. The flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia following the altercation.

The co-pilot has been identified as Hamam al-Hammami. Reports indicate that al-Hammami attacked the captain with an axe and attempted to take command of the plane. The specific airline operating the flight was FlyDubai. The intended destination of the flight was Israel.

Due to the security breach and the ensuing emergency, the aircraft diverted its course and landed in Saudi Arabia. Further details regarding the immediate aftermath of the landing, including the apprehension of the co-pilot or any injuries sustained, were not provided in the summary.

Sources suggest that Hamam al-Hammami had prior concerns associated with extremism. Additionally, it is reported that he had previously been barred from flying by Oman Air, another airline. The specifics of the timeline and the nature of the extremism concerns, as well as the circumstances leading to his barring by Oman Air, were not detailed.

The exact date of the incident was not provided. The summary does not include information about the aircraft type, the number of passengers or crew on board, or any official statements from FlyDubai, Oman Air, or Saudi aviation authorities.

Story summarized from the original created by AP on abc7chicago.com, see more information here.