Dubai, Oct 5:
The Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain with an axe reportedly told Saudi Arabian authorities that he wanted to crash the aircraft and was not afraid of dying.
Omani national Hamam Al-Hammami, 29, is now being questioned by authorities in the UAE after the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia following the attack. More than 170 people were on board.
UAE prosecutors have described the incident as an attempted terrorist act. Authorities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Israel are investigating the incident, including whether Al-Hammami had links to any extremist groups.
The co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smith Macher several times with an axe before attempting to seize control of the aircraft. The captain eventually opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene.
Investigators are also examining Al-Hammami’s background, including his time in Syria and his online activity. More than 3,000 posts from his deleted X account remain available through an internet archive, with several posts reportedly expressing opposition to women working and support for religious women wearing the hijab.