International
oi-Ashish Rana
The investigation into the cockpit attack on a Flydubai flight has taken a more serious turn, with reports suggesting that Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami had planned an attack on Israel even before joining the airline.
Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami is under investigation in the UAE for allegedly planning to attack Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport, choosing Flydubai for its route, and now faces possible death penalty after attacking the captain.
The 29-year-old is now expected to face the harshest punishment under UAE law, potentially including the death penalty, after attacking the flight’s captain with a crash axe and attempting to take control of the aircraft.
Co-Pilot Allegedly Chose Flydubai For Israel Route
According to reports based on the ongoing investigation, al-Hammami specifically looked for an airline operating flights to Israel. Investigators say he had researched different airlines before eventually joining Flydubai.
“I tried to get hired by all the airlines,” he reportedly told investigators. “I checked which ones flew to Tel Aviv. That’s why I chose flydubai. I planned [the operation] even before I was hired.”
The co-pilot had reportedly been working for Flydubai for around eight months. Investigators are also examining claims that he had considered carrying out an attack in July but abandoned the idea because he was close to another crew member.
‘The Dream Was To Crash Into Ben-Gurion’
Al-Hammami allegedly told investigators that his objective was to crash an aircraft into Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport.
“The dream was to crash into Ben-Gurion [Tel Aviv] airport,” he reportedly said.
Investigators believe he wanted the attack to happen quickly, leaving Israeli authorities with little time to scramble fighter jets.
Authorities are currently examining whether al-Hammami acted independently or had links to a terrorist organisation. Israeli reports have described the suspected plan as a possible lone-wolf operation.
International Probe Expands
The investigation has now drawn the attention of several countries. Israeli investigators and aviation experts have travelled to Abu Dhabi, while US intelligence personnel have also reportedly arrived in the UAE. Saudi and Omani officials are expected to remain involved in questioning and investigating the case.
The incident has also raised questions about the security checks carried out before the flight. Reports have suggested that concerns about al-Hammami’s views and alleged online activity existed before the attack.
Pilot Vetting Becomes Major Question
The case has triggered scrutiny over how al-Hammami was cleared to work on an Israel-bound flight. Reports indicate that Israeli authorities had access to passenger and crew information, but he was not prevented from operating the flight.
His alleged social media posts are also being examined. Some reportedly contained hateful comments against Jewish people and violent threats towards women.
As investigators continue questioning the accused co-pilot, authorities are now trying to determine whether the attack was the result of an individual radicalisation process or part of a wider extremist plot.
