The suspect, identified by multiple news outlets as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, was transferred from Saudi Arabia to Abu Dhabi on Thursday. While authorities have not officially released his identity, reports indicate he had previously been banned from flying in Oman due to concerns regarding radical ideological views. The UAE Attorney-General stated that investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances, motives, and any external links related to the incident.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the incident on Friday, stating that the attacker had undergone Islamist radicalization and intended to crash the plane along with its passengers. Netanyahu’s spokesman, Doron Spielman, noted that the alleged attacker discussed killing Jews on social media. Netanyahu added that Israeli investigators would join their Emirati counterparts to establish precisely what happened and whether the individual was sent by a third party. “We are investigating whether he was sent, and whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price,” Netanyahu said.
Indian national Captain Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed during the attack, spoke from a hospital in Abu Dhabi on Friday. He described the moment he opened the cockpit door to allow passengers and crew to enter, stating, “I was acting for my own life, but at the same time, I knew I couldn’t let all of them die.” Eyewitnesses reported that the aircraft descended more than 14,000 feet in 30 seconds before control was regained. The captain is expected to be discharged in approximately two weeks, according to family members.
President Donald Trump commented on the incident on Thursday, stating that the United States would renew strikes against Iran if it were determined that the country was behind the attack. However, a senior U.S. official briefed on the Israeli investigation told NBC News that there are no indications that Iran directed or was involved in the attack. The Flydubai spokesperson said the airline remains fully committed to supporting the ongoing investigation and is in close coordination with relevant government authorities and regulators. The airline declined to comment further beyond its published statements while investigations continue.
The flight carried 174 passengers, mostly Israeli nationals. The incident has drawn international attention to cockpit security and the potential for ideological radicalization among aviation personnel. As the joint investigation proceeds, both UAE and Israeli authorities are working to determine the extent of any external coordination or support for the attempted act.
