Flydubai Hijacker Allegedly Dreamed of Crashing Plane into Tel Aviv Airport
Sources claim the suspect, Hamam al-Hammami, revealed plans to target Ben-Gurion Airport and potentially cause mass casualties.
The pilot who attempted to hijack a Flydubai passenger plane had reportedly dreamed of crashing it into Tel Aviv's main airport, Ben-Gurion Airport, and causing mass casualties, according to sources cited by Israeli officials. Hamam al-Hammami, 29, allegedly attacked the aircraft's captain, Smit Machchhar, with a crash axe during the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Passengers and crew members grappled with al-Hammami to regain control of the aircraft, which experienced a significant and rapid descent of 14,000 feet in 30 seconds.
During interrogation, al-Hammami reportedly revealed that he had planned the hijack weeks in advance. His alleged dream was to crash the plane into Ben-Gurion Airport. Sources claim he had also considered crashing the aircraft into a tower block near Israel's military headquarters, the Kirya, in central Tel Aviv, a plan that would have mirrored the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The attack was reportedly initiated over Jordan, leaving little time for potential intervention by Israeli fighter jets.
Al-Hammami is said to have traveled to Ben-Gurion Airport on multiple occasions to gather intelligence, most recently in July. He reportedly aborted his plan at that time because a crew member he knew was on board. Israeli officials also stated that al-Hammami's social media accounts showed clear signs of radicalization into jihadist ideology, with discussions about killing Jews.
Further details emerged about al-Hammami's extremist views. During his studies for a distance-learning degree in aviation at Buckinghamshire New University, which he completed in 2023, he reportedly posted controversial remarks on social media. These included advocating for violence against women and appearing to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In one exchange, he allegedly wrote to a woman, "I'd stomp on your head, wipe the floor with you, make you an example to others, and then divorce you." Another post, discussing a man hitting a woman, suggested it was a "pre-emptive slap so she would redefine her boundaries, just as Russia slapped Ukraine to adjust its borders."
Al-Hammami previously worked as a trainee with Oman's national airline in 2024 but was moved to an administrative role due to concerns about his potential influence by radical groups, stemming from time spent in Syria. His LinkedIn profile, which has since been deleted, indicated a work history with Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc, but no mention of Flydubai. Royal Air Maroc confirmed he completed training but his subsequent application was rejected.
The investigation, led by the United Arab Emirates, is working to determine if al-Hammami acted alone or had connections to extremist groups. Al-Hammami, who was born in the UAE and has Syrian and Omani nationality, reportedly graduated from Buckinghamshire New University with a degree in aviation management. The university stated he did not undertake pilot training there.
The flight, FZ1073, carrying 182 people, was diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia after al-Hammami initiated the attack. The aircraft transmitted an emergency signal and later a code indicating unlawful interference. Passengers and crew were credited with preventing a potential catastrophe. Al-Hammami was transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE and is reportedly cooperating with authorities.