Flydubai Contacts Passengers After Near-Terror Attack, Offers Support But No Compensation

Flydubai has directly contacted passengers of its Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, which experienced an attempted terror attack on September 30, 2026. In a letter sent on Monday, October 12, the airline offered assistance and support but made no mention of financial compensation. The communication also did not address the actions of the Omani pilot, Hamam al-Hamami, who the UAE prosecution states intended to crash the plane at Ben Gurion Airport. The flight carried 174 people, who were saved due to the intervention of several passengers and Captain Smith Machhar, who confronted the pilot. Flydubai referred to the incident as "events surrounding the flight" and emphasized that passenger safety and well-being remain its priority. The airline also noted it provided a replacement aircraft for passengers traveling from Saudi Arabia to Tel Aviv, without explaining the necessity. The company stated it understands passengers' concerns and is offering support through a dedicated email address, flydubai.support@flydubai.com, and access to independent professional help services. One passenger criticized Flydubai's delayed response and "gross negligence," calling compensation claims a "urban legend" and the letter a sign of the company's "incompetence." Meanwhile, UAE prosecutors reported that al-Hamami confessed to his intention to crash the plane in Israel. Investigations revealed he had flown to Israel twice before, with his radicalization beginning in Australia and his aviation career inspired by the 9/11 attacks. He reportedly received training at the L3 Airline Academy in the UK. Separately, the IDF has named its protocol for hijacking civilian aircraft "World Trade," which allows for fighter jets to intercept and potentially down a hijacked plane, a measure triggered by the hijack code transmitted from the Flydubai flight.