Flydubai Co-Pilot Allegedly Planned to Crash Jet into Ben Gurion Airport
New reports indicate the co-pilot accused of an attempted terrorist act aboard an Israel-bound flight intended to target the airport.
The co-pilot of a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv allegedly planned to crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport, according to new reports from investigations into the incident. Hamam al-Hammami reportedly told investigators he intended to continue Flydubai Flight FZ1073 toward Israel, obtain airport clearances, and then deliberately crash the plane into a building or another aircraft.
These details emerged from investigations conducted by Saudi and Emirati authorities. Israeli investigators have not directly questioned al-Hammami, according to reporting from Israeli outlets Channel 12 and Ynet. Reuters also reported Monday that a source briefed on the UAE investigation stated the Omani co-pilot had planned the attack before being hired by Flydubai.
The incident occurred on a flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Al-Hammami allegedly attacked the captain inside the cockpit using a crash axe and attempted to seize control of the aircraft. UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi stated that investigators determined the co-pilot attempted a terrorist act. Passengers and crew members ultimately intervened, and the flight was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Al Shamsi indicated that the UAE investigation is ongoing to determine the full circumstances, motives, and any potential links to others involved. The UAE Public Prosecution has stated that the final results of the investigation will be announced once all necessary procedures are complete.