COCKPIT HORROR UNFOLDS AS FLYDUBAI CO-PILOT ADMITS HE WANTED THE JET TO CRASH

October 4, 2026

DUBAI — A terrifying mid-air incident aboard a flydubai passenger aircraft has taken a darker turn after the co-pilot reportedly told investigators that he intended to crash the plane and was “not afraid of death.”

The incident occurred on September 30 aboard Flight 1073, travelling towards Tel Aviv with more than 170 people on board. The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain inside the cockpit before attempting to take control of the aircraft.

The aircraft subsequently plunged more than 16,000 feet in roughly 30 seconds, creating an extreme emergency. The injured captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and overpower the co-pilot. Two off-duty pilots travelling on the flight then helped regain control and land the aircraft safely in Saudi Arabia.

The accused co-pilot, identified as 29-year-old Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, is now at the centre of an international investigation. Authorities are examining his previous employment history, alleged extremist interests and possible radicalisation.

Hammami had reportedly been removed from flying duties by Oman Air after concerns emerged over his online activities and was subsequently placed in a non-flying role. Investigators are now seeking to establish how he later returned to a commercial cockpit and whether relevant information was shared during subsequent employment.

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Israel are investigating the attempted attack, including whether the co-pilot acted alone or had any outside connections. The incident has also triggered renewed questions over pilot screening, security procedures and the mechanisms designed to prevent a potentially radicalised individual from gaining access to an aircraft cockpit.