Passengers Refuse Crew Requests to Free Co-Pilot After Mid-Air Attack on Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight

Passengers who subdued a co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of flydubai flight FZ1073 have revealed that cabin crew repeatedly asked them to release the suspect during the emergency diversion to Saudi Arabia. The account, reported by the New York Post, adds a new layer of complexity to an investigation already focused on an attempted terrorist act.

What happened during the cockpit attack on flight FZ1073?

The incident occurred on September 30 as the Boeing 737 travelled from Dubai to Tel Aviv with more than 170 passengers on board. According to UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national, attacked Captain Smit Machchhar inside the flight deck with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Al Shamsi described the episode as an attempted terrorist act.

Captain Machchhar, who suffered extensive injuries and blurred vision, managed to unlock the cockpit door and alert passengers and crew. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.

Why did passengers refuse to untie the suspect?

Tzvika Manes, a banking executive who helped restrain the co-pilot, said cabin crew approached the passengers after they had secured the area outside the cockpit. “They were asking us to untie the terrorist, we had no idea why,” Manes told the New York Post. Daniel Schlichter, a real estate professional seated near the cockpit, gave a similar account. “They were saying to free the terrorist, we got instantly suspicious of them,” he said.

The passengers refused and insisted the suspect would be handed over only to police. Manes said the exchange became heated. “They said, ‘You are not God; you are not going to kill him,’” he recalled. “We didn’t want to kill him; we just wanted him not to kill us.” The passengers then told crew members to move away from the cockpit area. “We told them, ‘Now the policy is we’re in charge, and you do what we say.’”

How did passengers and crew regain control of the aircraft?

Yaniv Hayun, Asaf Rajuan and Zvika Manes were among those who moved in to restrain the co-pilot. Manes used earphones to help bind his hands. Two flydubai pilots travelling as passengers, in a routine practice known as deadheading, then entered the cockpit and helped regain control of the aircraft.

A short video shared by i24NEWS showed the restrained co-pilot kneeling inside the aircraft with his hands tied behind his back. Passengers could be heard repeating “just police” and “only police.” Schlichter said the passengers gave the restrained man an oxygen mask because they wanted him alive for questioning. “We wanted him to live so he could be investigated,” he said.

Shota Musaev, a dentist and reportedly the only doctor on board, treated Captain Machchhar during the flight. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority said on October 2 that Machchhar had returned to the UAE, was in good condition and was receiving medical treatment.

What is the status of the investigation?

The UAE is leading the investigation because the aircraft is registered there and flies under the UAE flag. Israeli investigators are also expected to take part in questioning connected to the case. Al Shamsi said investigators were examining the motive, any links connected to the case, and physical and digital evidence.

Flydubai has declined to comment on the crew’s conduct, citing the active investigation. The airline says it is cooperating with authorities and regulators. Investigators have not accused any cabin crew member of taking part in the attack. The passenger account about cabin crew asking for the restrained co-pilot to be released has not been confirmed by investigators, and the UAE inquiry has yet to publish its final findings.

What did Captain Machchhar say about the attack?

Captain Machchhar later said the co-pilot had asked to pray before attacking him from behind. Tali Manes, who was near a toilet with her daughter, said she heard a sound like “something knocking on the door.” She asked a pilot travelling as a passenger to check the cockpit. Once the door opened, she saw the attack and screamed, drawing other passengers towards the front of the aircraft.

UAE aviation authorities have praised Captain Machchhar, crew members and passengers who helped bring the aircraft under control. The airline has confirmed that FZ1073 experienced an incident en route and landed safely in Tabuk, with all passengers accounted for.

Frequently asked questions about the flydubai incident

Who was the co-pilot accused of the attack?

The co-pilot was identified as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national. He is accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe and attempting to take control of the aircraft.

Where did the flight land after the incident?

The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. All passengers were accounted for.

Have cabin crew members been accused of involvement?

No. Investigators have not accused any cabin crew member of taking part in the attack. Flydubai has declined to comment on the crew’s conduct, citing the active investigation.