United Arab Emirates prosecutors have officially classified a
The incident occurred on Wednesday as the Boeing 737 was cruising at an altitude of 34,000 feet. According to official reports, Alhammami attempted to seize control of the aircraft, which was carrying more than 170 passengers, including 24 children. During the struggle, the co-pilot attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with the cockpit’s crash axe, an emergency tool mandated by international aviation regulations to be kept in the flight deck for use during crash scenarios.
Investigation into Attacker’s Background and Motives
As authorities continue their investigation, officials are working to determine whether Alhammami acted as a lone actor or maintained ties to extremist organizations. Reports have emerged suggesting that the co-pilot had previously been flagged for holding extremist views. Specifically, it has been alleged that Alhammami was barred from flight duties while working as a trainee for Oman Air in 2024 after being found in possession of extremist materials. He subsequently transitioned to an administrative role before leaving the company in early 2025.
Following his departure from Oman Air, Alhammami reportedly held positions at Royal Air Maroc before joining flydubai. He had been employed by flydubai for eight months prior to the incident. Authorities are now examining how he was cleared to operate on the sensitive route between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, amid reports suggesting he may have intended to crash the aircraft.
Emergency Response and Flight Diversion
The situation escalated when the aircraft began a rapid descent, dropping at a rate of approximately 23,000 feet per minute and reaching an altitude of 15,600 feet. Despite sustaining injuries during the assault, Captain Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, enabling crew members and passengers to intervene and restrain the co-pilot. Footage captured in the aftermath showed the captain injured, while a dentist on board provided emergency medical assistance.
Two relief pilots assumed control of the aircraft following the intervention, successfully diverting the flight to Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. The incident has prompted a broader review of the circumstances surrounding the co-pilot’s employment history and the security protocols governing cockpit access. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to establish the full extent of the attacker’s affiliations and the timeline of events leading up to the mid-air emergency.
