Al Qaeda-linked al-Bayan magazine calls for copycat attacks on commercial flights
The extremist weekly al-Bayan urged readers to imitate the recent Flydubai incident and target commercial aviation.
Al-Bayan, a weekly magazine launched by Al Qaeda sympathisers, published an article that linked the September 30 Flydubai Flight FZ1073 episode to the 9/11 attacks and called for similar assaults on commercial aviation. The incident involved an Omani national serving as co-pilot, who attacked the captain and tried to commandeer the aircraft before passengers and crew forced a diversion to Saudi Arabia. UAE officials have described the event as an attempted terrorist attack and are probing the co-pilot's prior ban from flying in Oman over alleged extremist views.
The publication's exhortation has raised fresh alarm about extremist groups using the incident to inspire further attacks on airlines. Investigators continue to examine the motives, background and whether the co-pilot acted alone. The development underscores ongoing security challenges for commercial flight operators in the region.
Why it matters
Extremist propaganda urging attacks on airlines could increase threats to global aviation safety.
How this story developed
- Sep 30 Netanyahu hails Indian pilot who thwarted alleged flydubai sabotage
- Oct 1 The Saudi interior ministry said its initial probe indicates the co-pilot on the Dubai‑to‑Tel Aviv flight assaulted the captain.
- Oct 2 The suspect was transferred to United Arab Emirates authorities.
- Oct 2 President Trump said investigators are working to determine whether Iran is linked to the co‑pilot.
- Oct 2 A UAE official called the mid-air incident on flydubai flight FZ1073 a terrorist act and praised Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for safely landing the aircraft after a co-pilot attack.
- Oct 2 Modi praised Machchhar for averting disaster.
- Oct 2 Israeli carriers have formally requested clearance to restart Dubai routes.
- Oct 3 Co‑pilot identified as Hamam al Hamami, an Omani national previously barred by Oman over extremist concerns.
- Oct 3 UAE prosecutors have classified the March incident on Flydubai flight between Dubai and Tel Aviv as a terrorist attack after a co-pilot used an emergency axe against the pilot.
- Oct 3 The weapon used in the attack was identified as a small axe.
- Oct 3 The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
- Oct 3 Specialised investigators are analysing physical and digital evidence to determine the co‑pilot's motives and identify any potential ties to external extremist organisations.
- Oct 5 Al‑Hammami was transferred to UAE authorities for interrogation.
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