UAE Authorities Reportedly Consider Death Penalty for Flydubai Co-Pilot; Official Confirmation Pending.

Dubai — United Arab Emirates authorities are reportedly considering the death penalty for a Flydubai co-pilot accused of attempting to seize control of an aircraft and attack its captain. However, there has been no official confirmation of a final judicial decision, and the claims remain unverified.
Background of the Case
According to the circulating report, the incident occurred on September 30, 2026, aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The report identifies the Omani co-pilot as Hammam Al-Hamami and alleges that he attacked the captain in the cockpit with an emergency axe before attempting to take control of the aircraft.
Following the alleged attack, the aircraft reportedly lost approximately 16,000 feet of altitude in less than 30 seconds.
Despite suffering serious injuries, Captain Samit Mutchcher reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to help restrain the co-pilot.
The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Investigation and Security Response
According to the report, the UAE Attorney General described the incident as an alleged attempted terrorist attack. Personnel from Israel's domestic intelligence agency, Shin Bet, reportedly travelled to the UAE to participate in the investigation.
Preliminary investigative claims suggest the following:
Alleged primary target: The suspect reportedly told investigators that his intended target was Ben Gurion Airport in Israel.
Reported alternative plan: If reaching Israel had not been possible, he allegedly intended to target a US military base in Jordan.
Alleged airline selection: He reportedly chose Flydubai because the airline operates flights to Tel Aviv.
Earlier alleged planning: The report claims that he had considered carrying out an attack in July 2026 but postponed it because of a friendship with a crew member.
These claims have not been independently verified in the information provided.
Questions Over Aviation Security
The report further alleges that Oman Air had restricted Al-Hamami from flying in 2024 because of concerns about extremist views and reassigned him to administrative duties.
It also claims that his background was not fully examined when he was recruited by Flydubai.
If substantiated, these allegations could raise serious questions about pilot recruitment procedures, security screening, the handling of suspected extremist affiliations, and intelligence-sharing arrangements between airlines and national authorities.
The reported incident has therefore been presented as a potential aviation security failure, although the allegations require independent verification.
Important Clarification: Death Penalty Not Confirmed
The claim that UAE authorities are considering the death penalty reportedly originates from a senior Emirati source cited by Israeli media.
As of the information available in the supplied report, no independent or official confirmation has been provided that a death sentence has been proposed, ordered, or issued. A final judicial ruling has also not been established.
The reported allegations concerning the incident, the suspect's motives, and previous security concerns should therefore be treated cautiously until confirmed by reliable, independent sources or official statements.