The United Arab Emirates' chief prosecutor revealed that a Flydubai co-pilot attempted to hijack a passenger jet with the intent to fly it into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport, mimicking the 9/11 attacks. Attorney-general Hamad Saif Al Shamsi stated the co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, became a pilot specifically to execute this premeditated terrorist plot. Al Shamsi detailed how the suspect flew the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv route twice to memorize the layout and prepared himself through exposure to terrorist material and boxing training.
The attacker allegedly assaulted the captain with an axe during the September 30 flight before being subdued by passengers. The co-pilot claimed to have acted alone, though the UAE continues to investigate possible accomplices. Al Shamsi noted the suspect's radicalization began while studying in Australia, attending a mosque linked to RMIT and connecting with a group allegedly funded by the Muslim Brotherhood.
The individual had previously worked at Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc before joining Flydubai in January, passing standard vetting procedures including a certificate of good conduct. Flydubai, owned by a Dubai government investment fund, has declined to comment on its vetting processes. The UAE asserts jurisdiction because the flight was registered in Dubai.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing