Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:24am on 03 Oct 2026,Saturday International
Saudi broadcaster Al Arabiya, citing sources, has identified the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian Captain Smit Machchhar aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 as Hamam al-Hammami. The September 30 flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain, causing the aircraft to make two sharp descents over Saudi Arabia. Machchhar, despite being injured, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and two off-duty pilots to restrain the co-pilot and help control the aircraft. The plane eventually made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Investigators are examining the suspect’s background, alleged radicalisation and the incident’s motive.
