Flydubai co-pilot who attacked Smit Machchhar to carry out a terrorist attack studied at a UK university: Report
Flydubai Co-Pilot Attack: What Investigators Are Examining
Theindiapostdaily.com – The Flydubai co pilot who attacked Captain Smit Machchhar is at the centre of an investigation into an alleged attempt to seize control of a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight. Authorities are examining Hamam al Hammami’s background, possible motives, contacts and aviation history after the emergency aboard flight FZ1073.
The aircraft, carrying 174 people, was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia for an emergency landing. Officials have described the episode as a suspected terrorist attack, while investigators work to determine whether the alleged attacker acted alone or had links to an extremist organisation.
UK university confirms aviation management study
Reports said al Hammami, an Omani national, completed a distance-learning aviation management programme at Buckinghamshire New University in the United Kingdom. The university stated that he did not receive pilot training there.
“Our thoughts are with the injured pilot, crew and passengers involved in this incident,” a university spokesperson said. “Hamam al Hammami previously completed a distance-learning course in aviation management. He did not undertake any pilot training at the University.”
The Flydubai co pilot who attacked Captain Machchhar was born in the UAE and has a Syrian mother. He had reportedly been barred from flying in Oman because of concerns that he may have adopted extremist beliefs before later joining Flydubai.
Alleged cockpit takeover attempt
UAE prosecutor general Hamad Saif al Shamsi said al Hammami attacked Machchhar in the cockpit with an axe and attempted to take command of the plane to carry out a terrorist act. The confrontation reportedly occurred while the aircraft was airborne, putting passengers and crew at immediate risk.
Flight-tracking data indicated that the aircraft descended by more than 17,000 feet before control was restored. An emergency signal was sent at 1:32 am ET, or 11:02 am IST, before the plane was safely diverted to Tabuk.
Investigators are also reviewing the circumstances surrounding the co-pilot’s employment and the sequence of events that led to the alleged attempt to bring down a passenger aircraft bound for Israel. No final finding has been announced on whether another party directed the attack.
Captain Smit Machchhar praised for his response
Machchhar, an Indian pilot, was praised for resisting the attack despite reportedly being stabbed during the struggle. His actions were credited with preventing a far more serious outcome and helping secure the safe diversion of the flight.
Dubai’s deputy ruler, Hamdan bin Mohammed, visited Machchhar during his hospital treatment and praised the captain’s courage and responsibility.
Machchhar’s actions “embodied the highest degrees of courage, responsibility, and care for human life,” Hamdan bin Mohammed said.
Senior UAE diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash also described the incident as a terrorist attack and said the captain’s intervention was critical. The case has renewed attention on cockpit security, crew training and emergency coordination when a threat arises inside the flight deck.
International reaction and ongoing investigation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Flydubai co pilot who attacked Machchhar appeared to have undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination” and that investigators were examining whether he had been sent by another party.
US President Donald Trump said preliminary information suggested possible links to Iran, while warning of a forceful response if Iranian operatives were found responsible. Authorities have not announced a final conclusion about any outside involvement.
FAQ for UAE travellers
What happened to Flydubai flight FZ1073? The flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after an alleged cockpit attack. All 174 people on board were taken out of the immediate danger when the aircraft landed.
Who is investigating the Flydubai co-pilot attack? UAE authorities are investigating the alleged attack, including the co-pilot’s background, possible motives and any potential extremist connections.
Did the UK university train the co-pilot as a pilot? No. Buckinghamshire New University said he completed a distance-learning aviation management course and did not undertake pilot training at the university.