In the early hours of 30 September, a Flydubai commercial flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a co‑pilot allegedly struck the captain with a crash‑axe, prompting passengers to seize control of the cockpit. The incident, which was captured by on‑board security cameras, led to the aircraft descending 17,000 feet before two reserve pilots landed it safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Passengers and crew response
Passengers worked in unison to regain control, using their knowledge of the cockpit layout and the assistance of flight attendants. Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, sustained injuries but was able to contact air‑traffic control, asking for an emergency landing. Two reserve pilots were subsequently flown into the cockpit, helping to stabilize descent and secure an emergency landing.
Australian investigation
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have notified state police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation of a potential link between the co‑pilot, identified as Hamam al‑Hammami, and the country. The AFP said it would “provide updates at the appropriate time” and focused on whether the co‑pilot had received training or benefited from an Australian visa that could have facilitated radicalisation.
Background on the co‑pilot
Al‑Hammami entered Australia on a student visa in 2014 and studied there until 2017. He held a valid visa during this period, but it was cancelled in 2019 after he left the country and ceased enrolment in his course. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that the policy change could have made him ineligible to remain in Australia.
After leaving Australia, al‑Hammami worked for Oman Air, where he was reportedly removed from flight training due to concerns over extremist views. He later enrolled in a distance‑learning course at Buckinghamshire New University in 2020, completing a degree in aviation management in 2023; the program did not include pilot training.
International cooperation and legal status
The co‑pilot was arrested upon landing in Saudi Arabia and is currently being questioned by Saudi authorities. The United Arab Emirates Attorney General has issued a statement that investigations are underway to determine motives and any additional links to terrorist activity. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the co‑pilot is an Omani national, and the Israeli government has called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
Security implications
Experts note that the case underscores several vulnerabilities in aviation security, especially regarding crew member selection and monitoring. The Australian investigation is expected to examine how the individual was able to enter the cockpit with a potential weapon, and whether existing background checks and screening procedures were sufficient. International aviation bodies have reiterated the importance of constant cooperation and data sharing for preventing similar incidents.
Current status
Captain Machchhar was treated for injuries in a near‑for‑hospital and later airlifted to Abu Dhabi. The co‑pilot remains in custody and is expected to face further legal action. The AFP and international partners continue to investigate, with updates expected as additional evidence emerges.
