---
title: "FlyDubai co-pilot tried to hijack Tel Aviv flight, UAE says "
url: https://moldova1.md/p/86776/flydubai-co-pilot-tried-to-hijack-tel-aviv-flight-uae-says
published: 2026-10-03T08:50:00Z
language: en
author: "Redacția  TRM"
section: "International"
source: moldova1.md
---

# FlyDubai co-pilot tried to hijack Tel Aviv flight, UAE says 

> The FlyDubai co-pilot attacked his captain with an emergency axe and attempted to seize control of a Tel Aviv-bound aircraft during a “terrorist attack,” the United Arab Emirates prosecutor general said.

![timesofisrael.com](https://storage.moldova1.md/images/f41d7b38-62f5-414e-87bc-8832efb3e727.jpg)

*Sursa: timesofisrael.com*

The FlyDubai co-pilot attacked his captain with an emergency axe and attempted to seize control of a Tel Aviv-bound aircraft during a *“terrorist attack,”* the United Arab Emirates prosecutor general said.

State news agency WAM reported the announcement following preliminary findings from regional authorities. The carrier’s Boeing aircraft was forced to divert mid-flight following the violent cockpit altercation.

**Inquiry focuses on extremist links**

Sources cited by the Associated Press and Reuters identified the suspect as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national. Investigators are currently determining whether the co-pilot acted alone or operated in coordination with extremist networks.

A Gulf diplomat confirmed that regional security agencies are reviewing the suspect's communications and operational background. International security services are also assessing how the pilot bypassed standard aviation vetting procedures.

**Screening lapses under scrutiny**

The Wall Street Journal first reported that authorities in Oman had previously barred al-Hammami from flying over suspected extremist sympathies. Despite those restrictions, the Dubai-based carrier subsequently hired him.

It remains unclear how thoroughly FlyDubai vetted al-Hammami during his recruitment process. Israeli authorities have since reinforced security protocols for all inbound commercial flights operating from the Gulf region.

Translation by **Iurie Tataru**

***
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