The co-pilot accused of attacking the captain and attempting to take control of a Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai aircraft likely acted alone, according to Israeli sources familiar with the investigation.
The sources told CNN that investigators were still working to establish the motive behind the incident, but preliminary information indicated that the suspect did not appear to have acted on behalf of any group or government.
The United Arab Emirates and Israel are investigating the incident, while Saudi Arabia, where the aircraft made an emergency landing, is also conducting its own inquiry.
UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a crash axe before attempting to seize control of the aircraft.
He described the incident as a “terrorist act.”
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, told Fox News on Thursday that Israel believes the suspect “underwent Islamist radical indoctrination,” based on “personal information” gathered during his interrogation.
He did not provide further details.
US President Donald Trump had earlier suggested that the suspect could have links to Iran “based on what I’m hearing,” although he did not provide evidence or further details to support the claim.
The incident occurred aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai, which reportedly lost thousands of feet within minutes after the attack on the captain.
Despite being injured, Captain Smit Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door and alert passengers and crew, who then helped regain control of the aircraft.
The suspect has been identified as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national.
Sources said he had previously worked for Oman Air but left the airline in February 2025 following concerns over his alleged extremist views.
He later trained with Royal Air Maroc for three months in 2025 but was not selected for employment, according to the airline.
An Israeli official said al-Hammami had worked for Flydubai for about eight months.
Australian Federal Police also confirmed that it was investigating al-Hammami’s links to Australia, saying it would provide an update when appropriate.
