DOMINANT ANGLE
Brasília is particularly focused on the security aspect of the incident: a radicalized co-pilot, an emergency axe in the cockpit, and the question of his hiring despite a flying ban in Oman.
Dominant angle identified — does not reflect unanimity of this country’s media
KEY POINTS
- 01
Emirati Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi described the attack as an attempted "terrorist" act, according to G1, the first public qualification by an Emirati authority.
- 02
Flight FZ1073 was carrying over 170 people and lost around 5,000 meters in just over 30 seconds before landing in Tabuk (Saudi Arabia).
- 03
According to the Wall Street Journal cited by Folha, the co-pilot had been banned from flying in Oman due to possible radicalization before being hired by Flydubai.
ANALYSIS
São Paulo, October 4, 2026. The Brazilian press is reporting on the Flydubai affair based on news agencies and official Emirati statements. Folha de S.Paulo and G1 report that the United Arab Emirates stated on Saturday (3) that the co-pilot of flight FZ1073, which connected Dubai to Tel Aviv, attacked the commander with an emergency axe and attempted to take control. The two outlets emphasize that speculation had previously focused on the use of a knife.
G1 notes that the Attorney General, Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, spoke of a "terrorist" act attempt, which is the first public qualification of this type by an Emirati authority. The website describes the aircraft, which was carrying over 170 people, losing approximately 5,000 meters of altitude in just over 30 seconds above Saudi Arabia. Passengers and crew subdued the co-pilot; a Flydubai reserve pilot on board landed the plane in Tabuk, where the suspect was arrested.
Regarding the identity, Brazilian media are being cautious. According to Reuters, cited by G1 and Folha, the individual is reportedly Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national, according to a source close to the case. Emirati authorities have not confirmed the name, and Oman has not commented. The investigation, which is examining motivations and potential accomplices, is analyzing physical and digital evidence.
Folha emphasizes the radicalization aspect. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had stated on Thursday (1) that the co-pilot had become radicalized and was "clearly suicidal," adding that pilots from countries without diplomatic relations with Israel, such as Oman, should not operate flights to that country. The newspaper also quotes the Wall Street Journal: the man had been banned from flying in Oman due to suspected ideological radicalization but was later recruited by Flydubai and flew on the route to Israel.
Flydubai, a company owned by the Dubai government, has declined to comment further. Indian commander Smit Machchhar allegedly fought with his attacker during the assault on Wednesday (30). The articles do not detail the reactions of Australia or the suspension of Emirati flights to Israel and do not address the position of the Brazilian government.
