Overview
- Investigators say the co‑pilot attacked the captain and tried to seize control of Flydubai flight FZ1073 on Sept. 30, forcing the jet to plunge and prompting crew, an off‑duty pilot and passengers to restrain him before an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- UAE prosecutors reported on Oct. 9 that the detained 29‑year‑old confessed he was inspired by the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and pursued a career in aviation to carry out a similar suicide strike.
- Prosecutors say the suspect traced his radicalization to 2017 while studying in Melbourne and that he used two earlier flights to Tel Aviv to familiarise himself with the route and Ben Gurion Airport.
- Reports identify the accused as Hamam al‑Hammami, who worked at Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc before joining Flydubai in January 2026 and who met required licensing and background checks despite later emerging concerns.
- Authorities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel are jointly reviewing recordings, technical evidence, vetting records and cockpit security procedures with potential changes expected to crew screening, emergency‑tool handling and international information sharing.