Co-pilot Allegedly Attempted Terrorist Crash on FlyDubai Flight

The co-pilot of the Israel-bound FlyDubai FZ1073 flight reportedly attacked the captain, attempted to take control of the aircraft and intended to crash it into Ben-Gurion Airport with more than 180 passengers on board, according to multiple US and Israeli media reports quoting sources close to the multinational investigation.

Israeli media cited sources who said the Omani national identified by multiple outlets as Hamam Al-Hammami most likely acted alone and had prepared the attack for several months. Those reports add that the co-pilot previously travelled to Israel to gather information and had reportedly considered targeting another flight to Tel Aviv earlier in the year before changing his plan.

According to the reports, after attacking Captain Smit Machchhar the co-pilot planned to fly the aircraft using normal approach and landing procedures toward Ben-Gurion Airport, then crash it at the last moment. Passengers rushed into the cockpit, subdued the attacker and stabilised the plane following the incident, the accounts say.

In comments reported by Emirati investigators, UAE Prosecutor General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi stated that the co-pilot of FlyDubai flight FZ1073 “attempted to carry out a terrorist attack” when he attacked the flight captain with an axe and tried to take control of the aircraft. The UAE is leading the investigation with participation from security agencies in four regional countries, including Israel, and assistance from the US and other Western governments, according to the reports.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The reports depict a case in which a member of an aircraft crew allegedly planned a deliberate, high-casualty attack by exploiting routine approach and landing procedures to conceal the intent until the final moments. The involvement of multiple regional and Western agencies in the investigation reflects the incident’s cross-border implications and the priority given to understanding motive, planning and any preparatory travel referenced in the reports.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Multiple US and Israeli media reports say the FlyDubai FZ1073 co-pilot attacked the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft into Ben-Gurion Airport.
• Sources identified an Omani national named Hamam Al-Hammami as the likely lone attacker who had allegedly prepared for months.
• Reports state the co-pilot previously travelled to Israel to gather information and had considered another flight to Tel Aviv earlier in the year.
• Passengers reportedly entered the cockpit, subdued the attacker and stabilised the plane after the assault on Captain Smit Machchhar.
• UAE Prosecutor General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi described the incident as an attempted terrorist attack and the UAE is leading a multinational investigation with regional and Western assistance.