UAE Prosecutors Say Flydubai Co-Pilot Planned Attack on Israel Airport
United Arab Emirates authorities have accused a Flydubai co-pilot of attempting to seize control of a passenger flight and planning to crash it into a terminal at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport in an alleged plot inspired by the September 11 attacks.
According to UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi, the suspect, identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly tried to take control of a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight on September 30. The attempt was reportedly stopped after the captain, other crew members and passengers intervened.
The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Authorities Detail Alleged Airport Attack Plan
The UAE attorney general said investigators believe the suspect intended to target the airport’s passenger terminal to cause mass casualties.
Prosecutors allege that al-Hammami attacked the flight’s captain with an emergency axe during the incident. Other people on board reportedly helped overpower him before the aircraft was diverted.
According to the authorities, the suspect had previously travelled on two flights to Tel Aviv to familiarise himself with the route and airport before the alleged attempt.
Officials said al-Hammami confessed to planning the attack and acting alone. However, investigators are continuing to examine whether anyone else may have been involved.
The allegations have not been independently established in court.
Flydubai Employment and Security Checks Under Scrutiny
Al-Hammami joined Flydubai in January 2026, according to the attorney general’s statement.
The official said the co-pilot had met the airline’s professional and security requirements during the recruitment process. The checks reportedly did not identify the extremist views that authorities now allege he held.
The case has drawn attention to aviation security and the procedures used to assess airline personnel, particularly those with access to aircraft and flight operations.
Investigation Continues After Flight Diverted Safely
The latest statement from UAE prosecutors provides further details about the alleged target and the events surrounding the September 30 incident.
Earlier reports had described an attempted hijacking involving the Flydubai flight. Authorities have now outlined what they say was the suspect’s intended destination and motive.
Investigators are continuing their inquiries as the case proceeds. The aircraft’s safe landing in Saudi Arabia meant the reported incident did not result in a crash, while the allegations against the co-pilot remain subject to the legal process.
