Russia Condemns Terrorist Attack on Flydubai Flight by Co-Pilot

Russia's Foreign Ministry issued a statement strongly condemning a terrorist attack on board a Flydubai flight, where a crew member attacked the captain. The incident occurred on October 5, 2026. The attack was carried out by Omani co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami, who wounded Captain Smith Machhar with an axe, intending to crash the plane, reportedly at Israel's Ben-Gurion airport. Passengers and off-duty pilots subdued the attacker, while a plumber helped level the aircraft and a dentist aided the injured captain. The plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with off-duty Flydubai pilots at the controls. The UAE's Attorney General confirmed the co-pilot attempted to seize control of the aircraft.