Fresh details have emerged about the alleged attempt to seize control of a flydubai passenger plane bound for Tel Aviv, with Israeli and US reports saying the Omani co-pilot told investigators he intended to crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport or a building in Tel Aviv.
The incident unfolded on September 30, when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain in the cockpit before passengers and other crew members intervened. The aircraft was eventually diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely in Tabuk.
Highlights
- The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with an emergency crash axe.
- Investigators are examining claims that he planned to crash the aircraft in Israel.
- UAE authorities have described the incident as an attempted terrorist act.
- The suspect has been identified in multiple reports as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami.
- Questions are being raised over how he passed aviation security checks despite previous concerns about his background.
- Australian authorities are also investigating his links to the country.
Main Story
Alleged Plan to Crash Aircraft in Israel
Investigators are examining claims that the co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of flydubai Flight FZ1073 had planned to take control of the aircraft and crash it in Israel.
Israeli media, citing people familiar with the investigation, reported that the suspect told investigators he intended to continue flying towards Israel after taking control of the Boeing 737 MAX.
According to those reports, he allegedly considered Ben Gurion Airport or a high-rise building in Tel Aviv as the intended target.
The claims have not been independently confirmed by UAE or Israeli authorities, and investigations into the suspect’s motives and possible links remain ongoing.
Captain Attacked in Cockpit
The incident occurred aboard Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
UAE authorities said the co-pilot attacked the captain using an emergency crash axe in what officials described as an attempted terrorist act.
The injured captain was able to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and other crew members to intervene and overpower the attacker.
Other pilots who were travelling on the aircraft subsequently helped regain control of the plane before it was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
The aircraft was carrying more than 170 people.
Suspect’s Background Under Scrutiny
The co-pilot has been identified in multiple reports as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national.
His background has become a central part of the investigation following reports that he had previously faced concerns about extremist views while working for Oman Air.
Reports say he was previously removed from flying duties and assigned administrative work after concerns were raised about his activities and alleged extremist material.
He later left Oman Air and eventually joined flydubai in 2026.
Investigators are now examining how he was able to obtain another pilot position and subsequently operate on a sensitive route between Dubai and Tel Aviv.
Questions Over Aviation Security
The incident has raised questions about how pilots and other aviation personnel are vetted before being allowed access to aircraft.
Particular attention has focused on the fact that Oman does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, while Israeli aviation regulations reportedly restrict pilots from countries without diplomatic ties from operating flights to the country.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a review of security arrangements covering foreign civil aviation arriving in Israel.
There have also been disagreements between Israeli agencies over responsibility for checking passenger and crew information before foreign airlines arrive in the country.
The incident has consequently triggered scrutiny of security procedures in Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.
Australia Investigates His Links
Authorities in Australia are also looking into the co-pilot’s connections to the country.
Australian police and intelligence agencies are investigating reports that he studied in Melbourne.
Reuters reported that sources familiar with the investigation said he attended a university in the Australian city, with another source identifying RMIT University as the institution he attended.
The investigation is expected to establish whether his time in Australia has any relevance to the broader inquiry.
Was He Acting Alone?
Another key question is whether the suspect acted independently or had assistance from an extremist organisation or another party.
Israeli officials have suggested that he may have acted alone, but authorities have not concluded the investigation.
The UAE Attorney-General has said investigators will establish the circumstances, motives and any possible connections associated with the incident before releasing their findings.
No confirmed evidence has publicly established that a foreign government or extremist organisation directed the alleged attack.
Investigations Continue
The incident has prompted investigations involving authorities in several countries, including the UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Australia.
At the centre of the inquiry is how the co-pilot gained access to the cockpit, what motivated the alleged attack and whether any warning signs were missed during his recruitment and subsequent assignment to international flights.
For now, authorities have not announced final findings on the suspect’s motive or whether other people were involved.
As investigators piece together the events aboard Flight FZ1073, the case is raising a broader question for the aviation industry: how can airlines identify risks from within the cockpit before they become an airborne emergency?
