By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-10-03 06:49:30 | Updated at 2026-10-03 07:38:31
1 hour ago
The hijacker of the Flydubai plane has been named for the first time.
Hammam Al-Hammami, an Omani national, attempted to carry out a "terrorist" attack during the flight, the United Arab Emirates' prosecutor general said this morning.
The co-pilot is said to have attacked the pilot with an axe, according to the prosecutor general, as he attempted to take control of the aircraft.
The tool used is understood to have been a crash axe, which is kept in the cockpit for use in emergency for escape or rescue.
The hijacker of the Flydubai plane has been named for the first time
Investigations will remain ongoing to determine motives and examine evidence.
According to Saudi Arabian state media, Al-Hammami was banned from flying last year due to concerns over his radical ideological views.
CNN reports that he was born in the UAE to Omani and Syrian parents. It is also said he has been working at Flydubai for eight months.
On Wednesday, September 30, Flydubai Flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 182 people on board, diverted over Jordanian airspace towards Saudi Arabia before suddenly plunging over 14,000ft in less than 30 seconds.
All passengers, including Al-Hammami, who is now in custody in Saudi Arabia, survived the incident.
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