Italian investigation reveals Flydubai co-pilot attacked captain with emergency axe, shut down both engines over Saudi desert

The investigation by Corriere della Sera sheds new light on the dramatic moments aboard the Tel Aviv-bound flight. According to the report, the incident began at 09:15 when al-Hammami left his post under the pretext of prayer. He then allegedly used the cockpit's emergency axe to attack the captain, aiming to neutralize him and take sole control of the aircraft without alerting air traffic control.

The Struggle for Control

As the attack unfolded, the autopilot was disconnected and both engines were shut down, sending the Boeing 737 into a rapid dive over Saudi Arabia. The investigation credits Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayun with reaching the cockpit and pulling the yoke to prevent the aircraft from losing further altitude. Two off-duty pilots traveling as passengers subsequently intervened, successfully restarting the engines and stabilizing the flight by 09:25.

Premeditation and Radicalization

Intelligence assessments cited in the report suggest al-Hammami's plan was to reach Tel Aviv undetected and crash the plane into a high-rise building, calculating that the lack of a distress signal would deny the IAF sufficient time to scramble interceptors. This aligns with prior reports by CNN and The Zioneer regarding al-Hammami's radicalization, including his dismissal from Oman Air for extremist views and digital evidence showing surveillance of Israeli aircraft.

Security Implications

While a senior Israeli official previously noted that no direct link to Iran has been established, the investigation highlights a massive failure in aviation security protocols. The suspect, who was transferred from Saudi custody to the United Arab Emirates, reportedly admitted during interrogation that his objective was a mass-casualty attack on Israeli soil. The Zioneer will continue to follow official updates as the joint investigation between Emirati, Saudi, and Israeli authorities proceeds.