Flydubai Co-Pilot Planned 9/11-Style Crash, Kill Indian Captain
Investigators are reportedly examining whether the attack was carried out independently or involved direction from another person or organisation
The Flydubai co-pilot accused of attempting to seize control of a passenger aircraft and crash it in Israel allegedly planned to carry out the attack at Ben Gurion Airport, according to Israeli media reports.
The first officer, identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, is being questioned in the United Arab Emirates over the alleged incident involving Flydubai Flight 1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
According to Israeli media reports, al-Hammami allegedly told UAE investigators that he intended to kill the flight captain and continue operating the aircraft normally until it received the necessary landing clearances. He then allegedly planned to crash the aircraft into a building or another aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport.
The reports said the co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar while the aircraft was approaching Israel after flying over Jordan. Investigators are reportedly examining whether the attack was carried out independently or involved direction from another person or organisation.
The alleged plan was disrupted when the captain, despite sustaining stab wounds, fought back and managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers and crew members then restrained the co-pilot, while two off-duty pilots travelling on the aircraft helped regain control of the plane.
The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The airline said 172 people were on board, with no passengers reported to have suffered serious injuries. The captain sustained injuries in the attack, while Saudi authorities said two crew members were hospitalised.
Reports have also raised questions about Hamam al-Hammami al-Hammami's previous employment. He had reportedly worked for Oman Air, where he underwent pilot training before being moved to an office position following concerns raised during government monitoring.
Investigators are also examining alleged social media activity in which al-Hammami reportedly posted footage of Israeli airline aircraft in Dubai, followed by an image of former al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.
His alleged background and previous activities are now part of the wider investigation into the incident. The Omani government has not publicly confirmed the details of his nationality or the claims concerning his past employment.