Israeli officials cited in media reports say investigators have found no known link between the accused co-pilot and a group or government. The inquiry into the September 30 cockpit attack remains open.
Israeli sources cited by CNN said information gathered so far suggests Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami acted alone. They said investigators had found no known link between him and any group or government, while stressing that the inquiry is continuing and that motive has not been settled.
The incident occurred on September 30 aboard flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Al-Hammami is accused of attacking captain Smit Machchhar with a cockpit crash axe and trying to take control of the Boeing 737. Despite being wounded, Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to help restrain the co-pilot. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Investigators are also examining reports that the co-pilot may have moved the engine fuel switches to “Cutoff” after disabling the autopilot. That account came from an investigation by Italy’s Corriere della Sera, cited by Ynet, and remains an allegation under review.
The UAE attorney general described the incident as an attempted terrorist act. Authorities in the UAE, Israel and Saudi Arabia are investigating. US President Donald Trump earlier suggested a possible link to Iran, but the reporting cited here did not substantiate it. Israeli sources said no such link had been identified so far.