Flydubai Co-Pilot Accused of Planning Crash at Ben Gurion

The FlyDubai co-pilot accused of attacking his captain in an alleged terrorist act aboard an Israel-bound passenger jet reportedly planned to crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport, according to new details from the investigation.

Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 reported that Hamam al-Hammami told investigators he intended to continue FlyDubai Flight FZ1073 toward Israel as if nothing had happened. He allegedly planned to secure the clearances needed to approach Ben Gurion Airport before crashing the aircraft into a building or another plane at the facility.

The reported findings came from investigations conducted by authorities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. According to Channel 12 and Ynet, Israeli investigators have not directly questioned al-Hammami.

News Outlet contacted the UAE Public Prosecution and FlyDubai for confirmation of the reported investigation findings.

Reuters separately reported Monday that a source familiar with the UAE investigation said the Omani co-pilot had planned to crash the flight into Ben Gurion Airport. Two Israeli officials briefed on the investigation also told Reuters that al-Hammami said during questioning that he had planned the attack before joining FlyDubai.

The reported plan follows last week’s dramatic incident aboard Flight FZ1073, which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain in the cockpit.

UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said investigators concluded that the co-pilot attempted to carry out a terrorist act by striking the captain with a crash axe and trying to seize control of the aircraft.

Passengers and other people aboard the flight eventually intervened. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.

Al Shamsi said the UAE investigation is still examining the full circumstances and motives behind the attack, including whether the co-pilot had links to other individuals.

The UAE Public Prosecution said the investigation’s final findings will be released once the required investigative procedures have been completed.