Israel Recognizes Flydubai Passengers as Victims of Hostile Act
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Israel's Ministry of Defense has recognized passengers of a Flydubai flight as victims of a hostile act after a co-pilot attempted a 9/11-style attack on Ben Gurion Airport on September 30, 2026. The National Insurance Institute will now provide assistance, including medical and psychological care, to those affected. The co-pilot, Hamam al-Hamami, was subdued by passengers and crew, and the plane was safely landed in Saudi Arabia. Affected passengers are reportedly preparing lawsuits against Flydubai.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel's Ministry of Defense declared Flydubai passengers victims of a hostile act after a co-pilot's terror attempt.
- The co-pilot, Hamam al-Hamami, tried to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport on September 30, 2026.
- Passengers and crew subdued the attacker, and two pilots safely landed the plane in Saudi Arabia.
- The National Insurance Institute will provide medical, psychological, and financial aid to affected passengers.
- Passengers are reportedly preparing multi-million dollar lawsuits against Flydubai for the incident.
- The captain, Smith Machchhar, and the two pilots who landed the plane received a UAE award.
Israel's Ministry of Defense has officially recognized the passengers of a Flydubai flight as victims of a hostile act. This designation follows an incident on September 30, 2026, when the plane's co-pilot, Hamam al-Hamami, attempted to crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport. The ministry's decision, announced on November 9, comes after a thorough investigation by Israeli authorities.
The case has been transferred to the National Insurance Institute (Bituah Leumi), which will manage claims and provide support to those affected. This recognition means passengers can receive various forms of assistance, though the extent of aid depends on individual circumstances and the impact of the incident. Assistance can include medical treatment for injuries sustained, including psychological and psychiatric care, as well as compensation for related expenses.
Al-Hamami, a 29-year-old Omani citizen, attacked the captain, Smith Machchhar, with an emergency axe during the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, intending to replicate the September 11 attacks. The aircraft lost approximately 4,300 meters of altitude in under 30 seconds. Despite severe injuries, Captain Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene.
Israeli passengers subdued al-Hamami, and two off-duty pilots flying on board took control of the aircraft. They successfully landed the plane in Saudi Arabia, even though part of its tail broke off during the rapid descent. The flight carried 174 passengers.
Following the incident, Israeli passengers Yaniv Hayun, Tsvika and Tali Mans, Or Pradilov, Assaf Raguana, and Dr. Shota Musaev were honored by Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog for their bravery. Dr. Musaev also provided critical medical aid to the injured captain. Separately, Captain Machchhar and the two pilots who landed the plane, Hanson Steven and Rowan Toth, received the Order of Zayed II in the United Arab Emirates on October 27.
Flydubai contacted passengers nearly two weeks after the incident, downplaying the co-pilot's actions and offering no compensation. Reports indicate that affected Israeli passengers are preparing to file multi-million dollar lawsuits against the airline. Investigations revealed al-Hamami had previously flown to Israel twice and had radicalized in Australia, with his aviation career choice motivated by a desire to carry out an attack similar to 9/11 in Israel.
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