Flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack in Tel Aviv airport inspired by 9/11

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1. 1h ago

   Flydubai Co-Pilot Planned 9/11-Style Suicide Attack on Tel Aviv Airport

   Investigators reveal that a Flydubai co-pilot plotted a suicide attack to crash an Israel-bound flight into Ben Gurion Airport, drawing inspiration from the September 11 attacks. During the September 30, 2026 flight from Dubai, first officer Hamam al-Hammami attacked captain Smit Machchhar with a cockpit crash axe and forced the Boeing 737 MAX 8 into a steep descent. Passengers and crew intervened, restrained the co-pilot, and allowed deadheading Flydubai pilots to safely land the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

   Why it matters

   The mid-air struggle aboard Flydubai Flight 1073 has triggered joint investigations by law enforcement agencies in Israel and the United Arab Emirates. UAE officials stated that the suspect began his drift toward extremism and terrorism while in Australia. The incident poses severe aviation security questions for regional carriers operating between the UAE and Israel.

   What is confirmed

   • The Flydubai flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia following a cockpit struggle that the Israeli prime minister called a most serious security incident.
   • First officer Hamam al-Hammami attacked and seriously wounded captain Smit Machchhar with a cockpit crash axe on September 30, 2026.
   • Al-Hammami sent the Boeing 737 MAX 8 into a steep descent, causing structural damage to the aircraft rudder from overspeed.
   • Passengers and crew rushed the cockpit, restrained the first officer, and allowed deadheading Flydubai pilots to land the plane in Tabuk.
   • UAE prosecutors stated the co-pilot planned a suicide attack on Tel Aviv airport inspired by the 9/11 attacks, with investigations tracing his radicalisation to 2017.
   • Images of former al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri and suicide bomber Humam Khalil Abu-Mulal al-Balawi were found on al-Hammami's social media.
   • UAE officials stated that the attacker began a drift towards extremism and terrorism in Australia.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A Middle Eastern official told NBC News that the pilot had been planning a 9/11-style attack targeting the airport.

   What to watch next

   • Further findings from joint law enforcement investigations by Israel and the UAE
   • Official disclosures regarding the suspect's time in Australia and potential co-conspirators
   Sources used for this update (14)

   1. www.cnn.com — Co-pilot on Israel-bound flight stabbed captain and tried to hijack plane, sources say
   2. www.cnn.com — What happened inside the Flydubai flight to Israel? What we ...
   3. www.cbsnews.com — What we're learning about the FlyDubai co-pilot who allegedly ...
   4. www.nbcnews.com — Flydubai pilot planned 9/11-style attack, source tells NBC News
   5. en.wikipedia.org — Flydubai - Wikipedia
   6. en.wikipedia.org — Flydubai Flight 1073 - Wikipedia
   7. CNN — Alleged Flydubai hijacker planned ‘suicide attack’ on Tel Aviv’s airport, early investigation finds
   8. The New York Times — Attacker in FlyDubai Flight Meant to Crash Into Israeli Airport, Emiratis Say
   9. The Guardian — Flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Israeli airport, UAE prosecutors say
   10. Euronews.com — Flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack in Israel inspired by 9/11
   11. BBC — Flydubai attacker began a 'drift towards extremism and terrorism' in Australia, UAE says
   12. dailytimes.com.pk — Flydubai co-pilot’s suicide attack plot on Tel Aviv airport exposed
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