‘Planned it even before I was hired’: What Flydubai co-pilot told investigators days after tragedy averted
On a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar, claiming he planned the assault before being hired. Despite serious injuries, Machchhar unlocked the cockpit, enabling crew and passengers to restrain al-Hammami and land safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The incident raises urgent questions about aviation security protocols and pilot vetting processes.