Alleged Flydubai hijacker said 9/11 attacks spurred him to become a pilot, early investigation finds

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Flydubai Co-Pilot Inspired by 9/11 to Target Ben Gurion Airport

   A preliminary investigation reveals that Omani Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami planned a 9/11-style suicide attack to crash flight FZ1073 into Israel's Ben Gurion Airport. UAE prosecutors and investigators state the plot was premeditated and aimed at seizing control of the aircraft to target the international gateway. The attack was foiled by six Israelis who will receive heroism medals from Isaac Herzog. Evidence indicates the co-pilot was inspired by the September 11 attacks to become a pilot and execute the plot.

   Why it matters

   The incident represents a significant security breach involving crew members on a flight between Dubai and Tel Aviv. It highlights the threat of internal aviation security risks. Binyamin Netanyahu has viewed the near-catastrophe as a political opportunity.

   What is confirmed

   • UAE prosecutors say a Flydubai co-pilot planned a suicide attack to crash a plane into Ben Gurion Airport.
   • The alleged hijacker was inspired by the 9/11 attacks.
   • Isaac Herzog will award heroism medals to six Israelis who helped foil the hijacking.
   • The plot targeted Ben Gurion Airport, Israel's main international gateway.
   • The hijacker is identified as Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The co-pilot almost carried out the attack in July.
   • The co-pilot had a backup plan.

   What to watch next

   • Official release of the full preliminary investigation report
   • Details on the specific methods used to foil the hijacking
   • Legal proceedings against Hamam al-Hammami
   Sources used for this update (18)

   1. www.cnn.com — Alleged Flydubai hijacker likely wanted to target Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, sources say
   2. WSJ — FlyDubai Co-Pilot Almost Carried Out His Attack in July
   3. The Jerusalem Post — Isaac Herzog to award heroism medal to six Israelis who helped foil flydubai hijacking
   4. The Economist — In a near-catastrophe, Binyamin Netanyahu sees an opportunity
   5. CNN — Alleged Flydubai hijacker planned ‘suicide attack’ on Tel Aviv’s airport, early investigation finds
   6. Reuters — UAE says Omani flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Tel Aviv flight
   7. Newsday — FlyDubai co-pilot intended to crash plane into Tel Aviv airport, UAE prosecutor says
   8. The New York Times — Attacker in FlyDubai Flight Meant to Crash Into Israeli Airport, Emiratis Say
   9. The Washington Post — FlyDubai co-pilot planned 9/11-style attack on Israel’s main airport, UAE says
   10. The Guardian — Flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Israeli airport, UAE prosecutors say
   11. www.cnn.com — Alleged Flydubai hijacker said 9/11 attacks spurred him to become a pilot, early investigation finds
   12. The Times of Israel — UAE confirms flydubai copilot was planning 9/11-style ‘suicide attack’ on Ben Gurion Airport
   confidence 95%