Stories
How a Cockpit Attack on a Flydubai Flight Triggered an Israeli Jet Interception Crisis
- •A Flydubai passenger flight to Tel Aviv faced a major crisis when an Omani co-pilot attacked Indian Captain Smith Machar in the cockpit, causing the plane to suddenly drop 14,000 feet.
- •With over 150 Israeli passengers on board and no response from the cockpit, the Israeli Air Force closed its airspace and dispatched fighter jets, fearing a hijacking and potential attack.
- •The Indian captain eventually managed to open the cockpit door, and passengers along with crew members subdued the co-pilot, averting a catastrophic escalation.
- •The Omani co-pilot, Hammam al-Hamami, is currently being interrogated in the United Arab Emirates regarding his background, motives, and previous activities.
Key Questions Answered
A major crisis occurred when an Omani co-pilot attacked Indian Captain Smith Machar in the cockpit, causing the aircraft to plummet by about 14,000 feet and go silent. Because the unresponsive plane raised hijacking fears, Israel closed its airspace and dispatched fighter jets to monitor it.
The Flydubai flight heading from Dubai to Tel Aviv initially broadcast squawk code 7700, which indicates a serious international emergency, and shortly after transmitted code 7500, commonly used in hijacking or unlawful interference cases.
The Omani co-pilot involved in the attack is Hammam al-Hamami. He is currently being interrogated in the United Arab Emirates following an earlier questioning in Saudi Arabia, with Israeli officials assisting in the ongoing investigation.
