Israel grants compensation to flydubai Flight 1073 survivors
The Defense Ministry has officially classified the September 30 cockpit attack as a hostile incident, allowing passengers to file for financial aid and subsidized services.
By Lauren Foster ·
Passengers who survived the chaotic cockpit takeover on flydubai Flight 1073 can now apply for government assistance. The Israeli Defense Ministry announced on Monday that it has recognized the September 30 event as a hostile incident. This classification unlocks specific monetary compensation and provides access to state-subsidized services for those aboard the Dubai to Tel Aviv flight.
The incident occurred when Hamam al-Hammami, the Omani copilot, attacked the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar. Al-Hammami attempted to crash the aircraft, which was carrying a majority of Israeli citizens. The plane dropped several thousand feet before passengers forced their way into the cockpit. Machchhar had managed to open the door despite the attack, allowing the group to restrain the copilot and stabilize the controls.
Two off-duty pilots on the flight took over the aircraft's controls. They executed an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. A replacement plane then returned the passengers to Tel Aviv. No one on board was killed in the process. Several passengers sustained minor injuries from the steep descent. Machchhar suffered serious stab wounds to the head during the struggle.
The ministry stated that the decision follows official confirmation from authorized investigative bodies. "The decision has been forwarded to the National Insurance Institute, which is in contact with those affected, for further handling," the announcement read. The National Insurance Institute noted that citizens who sustained physical or mental injury can now file a claim with the body.
The near-disaster revealed gaps in Israel's security protocols for incoming foreign flights. There was no effective oversight of how airlines vet pilots. Israel did not vet the crews directly, and aircrew lists were often submitted only after takeoff. Al-Hammami had been grounded by Oman Air for possessing extremist materials. He was subsequently hired by flydubai and worked the Dubai-Tel Aviv route intermittently.
Passengers previously told The Times of Israel they felt abandoned by the government. Daniel Schlichter said, "Unfortunately, Israeli authorities have done zero as far as reaching out to people or helping." Almog Italie described feeling completely alone. He added that the authorities are not cooperating with them regarding trauma treatment.
The National Insurance Institute had said last month that it could not assist survivors until the Defense Ministry qualified the incident as a hostile action. The Defense Ministry indicated it was awaiting information from investigating authorities before making its decision. That wait has now ended.
Survivors are also pursuing legal remedies. Approximately 100 passengers have joined an effort to file a class-action lawsuit. The suit targets flydubai and government authorities in Israel and the United Arab Emirates over alleged security failures.
