Flydubai has halted service to and from Israel in the wake of the failed terror plot by one of the company’s copilots.
The suspension follows the Sept. 30 crisis aboard Flight FZ1073, which was traveling from Dubai to Israel when its Omani co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, 29, allegedly attacked Capt. Smit Machchhar with a cockpit crash axe.
“Flydubai flights to and from Israel are suspended until further notice, a company spokesperson confirmed to The Post.
“We remain in close coordination with the relevant authorities and regulators, and will communicate any updates regarding our flights through our official channels.”
The attack was allegedly part of a premeditated terrorist plotto hijack the Boeing 737 and crash it into the passenger terminal at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport — or alternatively a tower block in the city — to cause a 9/11-type disaster, according to investigators.
The horrifying confrontation unfolded as the aircraft was cruising at approximately 34,000 feet.
The plane plummeted 17,000 feet in just two minutes in a series of dramatic descents as the struggle unfolded inside the cockpit.
Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar reportedly managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to rush in and overpower the attacker.
Two other qualified pilots traveling on board then took control, stabilized the jet and diverted it to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where they made a safe emergency landing.
All 172 passengers and 8 crew members aboard survived.
The suspected attacker was taken into custody, while the injured captain received medical care and has now returned to the United Arab Emirates.
Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith expressed relief that everyone on board survived and praised the efforts of those who prevented a catastrophe.
I want to express my deep gratitude to our Captain, the pilots who secured the aircraft and landed it safely, as well as our cabin crew. I extend our sincere gratitude to the pasengers on board who assisted our crew during a challenging situation, Al Ghaith said in a Sept. 30 statement.
Al Ghaith said the airline is cooperating with authorities and working around the clock to support passengers.
“I know there are many questions about what happened on board FZ 1073. A full official investigation, led by the relevant authorities and fully supported by flydubai, is underway,” he said. “It is important that we allow this process to establish the facts.
“Safety is, and always will be, our highest priority.”
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