Omani pilot allegedly plotted to crash flydubai flight into Ben Gurion Airport
Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami is accused of trying to hijack a flydubai plane and crash it into Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main hub. Israeli security adviser says the plot was pre-planned and likely a lone-wolf act.
Israeli national security adviser Eytan Ben-David disclosed that Hamam al-Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani co-pilot, attempted to hijack a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv with the aim of crashing it into Ben Gurion Airport. Ben-David said the scheme had been in preparation for months and may have been postponed earlier when a relative of the pilot was on the crew. The thwarted attack occurred on September 30 during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot and followed al-Hammami’s prior grounding in 2024 over extremist material and a failed recruitment by Royal Air Maroc.
Investigators consider him a lone wolf, not linked to Iran or a terrorist group, though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received intelligence suggesting the pilot was undergoing radicalisation. The incident has prompted scrutiny of existing security procedures that require crew lists to be vetted by Israel, highlighting possible gaps in enforcement. Officials warn the episode could force airlines worldwide to tighten pilot vetting processes.
Why it matters
It exposes weaknesses in airline security vetting, raising global concerns over potential terrorist use of commercial flights.
How this story developed
- Sep 30 Netanyahu hails Indian pilot who thwarted alleged flydubai sabotage
- 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.
- Oct 6 President Trump warned of harsh retaliation against Iran if involvement is proven.
- Oct 6 Interrogations revealed the co‑pilot said his motive was revenge for Gaza and that he had earlier been prohibited from flying due to extremist concerns.
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