A 29-year-old Omani co-pilot employed by flydubai allegedly attempted to hijack a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, aiming to crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport, according to authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The suspect, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, was subdued by the captain and passengers after attacking the pilot with an axe mid-flight, causing the plane to plunge 14,000 feet in 29 seconds before regaining control.
Investigators allege that al-Hammami’s extremist leanings emerged while he studied in Australia in 2017, where he was reportedly influenced by takfiri ideology through online and mosque-based radicalization. UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi stated that al-Hammami had planned the attack for months, using prior flights to Tel Aviv to familiarize himself with the route and airport layout. The suspect confessed to acting alone, with no evidence of external involvement, and claimed the plot was inspired by the September 11 attacks.
The incident occurred aboard a flydubai Boeing 737-800 carrying 170 passengers and crew, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The Indian co-pilot, Smit Machchhar, was struck with the aircraft’s crash axe during the assault but managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene. The plane’s emergency descent was stabilized after the assailant was restrained. The UAE’s state news agency WAM reported that al-Hammami had psychologically and physically prepared for the attack, including studying airport layouts and flight paths.
Aviation and security experts noted that flydubai’s hiring protocols were followed, with no prior indications of extremist behavior. The airline stated that al-Hammami met all professional and security requirements, including holding a valid pilot’s license and providing a certificate of good conduct. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed they are investigating al-Hammami’s time in Australia, including potential links to extremist networks. A LinkedIn profile linked to al-Hammami, which described his studies at Melbourne’s RMIT, has since been removed.
The UAE’s accusations center on al-Hammami’s alleged intent to maximize civilian casualties by targeting a densely trafficked airport. Investigators claim he admitted to the plan in detail during interrogations, though no independent verification of his statements has been provided. The case has raised questions about aviation security protocols and the vetting processes for pilots in the region. Flydubai has not publicly commented on the incident beyond confirming the safety of passengers and crew.