Attacker in FlyDubai Flight Meant to Crash Into Israeli Airport, Emiratis Say

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1. 1h ago

   UAE Prosecutors Say Flydubai Co-pilot Planned Suicide Attack on Israeli Airport

   UAE prosecutors state that Hamam Al Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani co-pilot for Flydubai, attempted to hijack a flight to crash it into a passenger terminal at Ben Gurion Airport. During the attack on flight FZ1073, Al Hammami used an onboard crash axe to severely wound Captain Smit Machchhar. The aircraft plummeted 14,000 feet in 29 seconds before passengers and crew regained control. Investigations indicate Al Hammami was inspired by the 9/11 attacks and began a drift toward extremism while in Australia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that those behind the attack will pay a very heavy price.

   Why it matters

   This incident exposes vulnerabilities in aviation security, specifically regarding crew manifests and the threat of rogue pilots. It occurs amid high regional tensions, prompting Israel to probe whether the attacker was sent by an outside entity. The case highlights the role of international radicalization paths in aviation threats.

   What is confirmed

   • Omani national Hamam Al Hammami, 29, attempted to hijack a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv.
   • The attacker intended to crash the aircraft into a terminal at Ben Gurion Airport.
   • Al Hammami used an onboard crash axe to severely wound Captain Smit Machchhar.
   • The aircraft dropped 14,000 feet in 29 seconds during the struggle for control.
   • UAE prosecutors state the attacker's radicalization began in Australia.
   • The suspect was inspired by the 9/11 attacks to become a pilot.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Flight attendants may have assisted the hijacker by interfering with his restraints.
   • Israeli authorities did not have the crew manifest before the flight took off.

   What to watch next

   • Results of the Israeli probe into whether Al Hammami was sent by a third party.
   • Official UAE court proceedings regarding the charges against Hamam Al Hammami.
   • Changes to Israeli aviation security rules regarding Omani pilots.
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. CNN — Alleged Flydubai hijacker planned ‘suicide attack’ on Tel Aviv’s airport, early investigation finds
   2. Reuters — UAE says Omani flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Tel Aviv flight
   3. The New York Times — Attacker in FlyDubai Flight Meant to Crash Into Israeli Airport, Emiratis Say
   4. The Guardian — Flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Israeli airport, UAE prosecutors say
   5. AP News — FlyDubai co-pilot intended to crash plane into Tel Aviv airport, UAE prosecutor says
   6. The Times of India — 9/11 attacks inspired Flydubai hijacker to become a pilot, UAE probe finds
   7. The Guardian — Flydubai co-pilot began radicalisation in Australia, UAE prosecutors say
   8. BBC — Flydubai attacker began a 'drift towards extremism and terrorism' in Australia, UAE says
   9. www.theguardian.com — Flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Israeli airport ...
   10. www.wionews.com — ‘Whoever sent him...’: Netanyahu issues chilling warning ...
   11. www.wionews.com — Omani pilots barred from Israel? Flydubai attack raises ...
   12. WSJ — Rogue Pilots Are a Growing Safety Threat—and No One Knows How to Stop Them
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