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Al-Qaeda Backs FlyDubai Co-Pilot's Attack, Calls for 9/11-Style Assaults on US, Israeli Planes
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News18•04-10-2026, 18:18
Al-Qaeda Backs FlyDubai Co-Pilot's Attack, Calls for 9/11-Style Assaults on US, Israeli Planes
- •Flydubai co-pilot Hamam Al-Hamami, an Omani citizen, attacked Indian pilot Smit Machchhar on a flight.
- •Al-Qaeda praised Al-Hamami's actions and called for similar attacks on American and Israeli planes.
- •The Yemen-based Al-Qaeda branch (AQAP) published an editorial in 'Al-Bayan' comparing the incident to 9/11.
- •Al-Qaeda's editorial, titled 'Between September 11 and September 30', declared that the war is not over.
- •The incident occurred on Flydubai flight FZ 1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which was safely landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Key Questions Answered
The co-pilot who attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar has been identified as Hamam Al-Hamami, an Omani citizen.
The Yemen-based Al-Qaeda branch (AQAP) published an editorial in its publication 'Al-Bayan' praising the failed hijacking attempt and calling for similar attacks on American and Israeli planes.
After the Boeing 737 descended about 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds and passengers restrained the co-pilot, another pair of Flydubai pilots on board safely landed the plane in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
