Flydubai co-pilot originally planned attack for July, investigators believe

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   Flydubai Co-Pilot Originally Planned July Attack

   Investigators believe the Flydubai co-pilot who attacked a packed flight from Dubai to Israel originally scheduled his hijacking for July. Regional and Israeli officials state the suspect postponed the initial plot, potentially because a friend was working among the crew. The co-pilot allegedly planned the assault before the airline hired him. During the incident on flight FZ1073, the attacker asked the captain to pray before striking him in the head with an emergency axe. Multiple security failures allowed the pilot access to the cockpit. The United Arab Emirates leads the ongoing investigation, with Shin Bet agents participating in interrogations.

   Why it matters

   The investigation into the cockpit assault widens as international security agencies examine the background of the Omani national. Authorities scrutinize the suspect's previous training and movements, including a nearly six-month stay in New Zealand ending in May 2019. The incident triggered intense regional security concerns, including a military response where Israel scrambled fighter jets before calling them off.

   What is confirmed

   • The Flydubai co-pilot originally planned his attack for July before postponing the hijacking.
   • Two Israeli officials stated that the co-pilot planned the attack before he was hired by the airline.
   • Hamam al-Hammami allegedly planned to crash a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight into Ben Gurion Airport.
   • The co-pilot asked the captain to pray before hitting him over the back of the head with an axe.
   • Shin Bet agents are participating in the interrogation of the suspect in the United Arab Emirates.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Donald Trump stated he believes Iran was responsible for the Flydubai attack.
   • A Middle Eastern official stated the pilot planned a 9/11-style attack.
   • Reports indicated the Omani national was a lone wolf extremist.

   What to watch next

   • Findings from the joint interrogations involving Shin Bet agents in the UAE
   • Further disclosures on the suspect's movements and training in New Zealand
   • Official statements from the United Arab Emirates leading the primary investigation
   Sources used for this update (22)

   1. www.cbsnews.com — What we're learning about the FlyDubai co-pilot who allegedly ...
   2. WSJ — Multiple Security Failures Allowed FlyDubai Pilot Into Cockpit
   3. Reuters — Co-pilot planned flydubai attack before hired by airline, two Israeli officials say
   4. NPR — FlyDubai attacker intended to crash plane into Tel Aviv airport, ongoing investigation finds
   5. www.foxnews.com — Flydubai co-pilot allegedly planned to crash Israel-bound jet at Ben Gurion Airport
   6. CNN — Alleged Flydubai hijacker likely wanted to target Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, sources say
   7. The Guardian — Flydubai co-pilot originally planned attack for July, investigators believe
   8. www.bbc.com — Flydubai co-pilot planned to crash plane into Tel Aviv airport or building, reports say
   9. USA Today — Trump says he thinks Iran was responsible for Flydubai attack
   10. forward.com — From ‘false flag’ to ‘Bibiwood’: flydubai attack spawns conspiracy theories
   11. timesofisrael.com — Shin Bet agents participating in interrogation of flydubai terrorist in UAE, ToI learns
   12. theaviationhub.co.uk — FlyDubai Co-Pilot Planned Terror Attack Before Joining Airline, Officials Say
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