FlyDubai co‑pilot planned to crash plane into Ben Gurion terminal, UAE prosecutor says
UAE investigators say the Omani co‑pilot attacked the captain with an axe on the Dubai–Tel Aviv flight and was subdued after the cockpit door was opened; 170 people were on board.
UAE prosecutors say a FlyDubai co‑pilot plotted to hijack a passenger jet bound from Dubai to Tel Aviv and deliberately crash it into the passenger terminal at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.
The investigation began on 1 October, the public prosecutor's office reported. Investigators identified the suspect as Hamam al‑Hamami, an Omani national, and concluded the attack had been planned in advance.
Details of the alleged plot and the in‑flight struggle
Authorities say al‑Hamami had twice flown to Tel Aviv "to familiarize himself with the route and the airport" and had previously worked for several carriers, including Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc, before joining FlyDubai in January this year.
During the flight, prosecutors say, al‑Hamami attacked the captain with an axe taken from the aircraft's emergency equipment and attempted to take control of the plane with the intention of crashing it into Ben Gurion Airport's passenger terminal.
Despite the assault, the captain managed to open the cockpit door, which allowed passengers and crew to restrain the co‑pilot. The intervention prevented a catastrophe on the flight carrying 170 passengers and crew.
UAE authorities regard the incident as an attempted terrorist attack. The investigation remains ongoing and legal proceedings are expected.
Photo: press material from the event
