DOMINANT ANGLE
London is reconstructing the attack minute by minute and is particularly focusing on the co-pilot's background, who was sidelined for his radical views, and who had previously studied at a British university.
Dominant angle identified — does not reflect unanimity of this country’s media
KEY POINTS
- 01
According to the BBC, flight FZ1073, with over 170 people on board, plummeted 17,000 feet (5,200 m) before two reserve pilots landed it in Saudi Arabia.
- 02
The co-pilot, named Hamam al-Hammami by Reuters, CNN, and the New York Times without official confirmation, was allegedly removed from Oman Air's training program due to his radical views.
- 03
Buckinghamshire New University confirms an online course in aviation management, and the Australian Federal Police are investigating his two years of study in the country.
ANALYSIS
London, 4 October 2026. The British press first recounts the scene. According to the BBC, Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, with over 170 people on board, plummeted around 17,000 feet (5,200 meters) approximately two and a half hours after takeoff, before passengers subdued the assailant and two reserve pilots landed the plane in Saudi Arabia. The Attorney General of the Emirates claims that the co-pilot struck the commander with a fire axe and intended to commit a "terrorist act".
The Daily Mail focuses on the account of survivors. Lital Hirschl-Shahar, 39, says she "saw death coming" and recounts that four Israelis ran to the front to help Commander Smit Machchhar, who was struck on the back of the head. The newspaper refers to a "jihadist" co-pilot and notes that Benjamin Netanyahu invited the commander to Israel as a guest of honor. The Independent mentions the "9/11 of Israel" that was avoided and writes that the passengers were "celebrated as heroes".
The second axis is the co-pilot's profile. Reuters, CNN, and the New York Times name him as Hamam al-Hammami, without official confirmation, the BBC notes. According to American media it cites, he was removed from Oman Air's pilot training due to his radical ideas; The Independent, citing Saudi state media, writes that he was banned from flying last year for the same reason. The BBC makes the weapon a key question for investigators, given the enhanced security on this route: the fire axe is normally located in the cockpit.
The third axis directly concerns the country. Buckinghamshire New University confirms to The Independent that he took a distance course in aviation management, without pilot training. The Guardian relays the investigation opened in Australia, where he spent about two years as a student: a visa was granted in 2014 and canceled in 2019, according to a source. The Australian Federal Police confirmed on Sunday, along with the ASIO, that they are investigating his links to the country.
The motives remain, according to The Independent, "a mystery", and investigations are ongoing to establish circumstances, motivations, and potential connections, according to the Emirati prosecutor's office. The combined articles do not detail any reaction from the British government.
SOURCES (4)
- The IndependentMEDIUM
- Daily MailMEDIUM
