Pilot planned months to crash plane into Tel Aviv airport
An Omani pilot attempted to hijack a plane to Israel after planning the attack for months, Israel's security chief confirmed.
Hamam al-Hammami, a 29-year-old co-pilot for flydubai, tried to hijack a flight to Tel Aviv in late September. Israel's security chief said al-Hammami had been planning the attack for months.
Al-Hammami may have tried it in July but aborted when a crew member he knew was onboard. Al-Hammami wanted to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport, Israel's busiest international airport.
Investigators believe he acted alone, not under orders from Iran or a terror group. But they say he was radicalised.
The case raised questions about how airlines check pilots and crew, especially those flying to Israel.
- Hamam al-Hammami, 29, Omani
- Hijacker age and nationality
- September 30, during Sukkot festival
- Attempt date
- Flydubai, joined February 2026
- Employment at airline
Why it mattersThe incident shows gaps in how airlines screen pilot backgrounds and highlights risks to major airports during times of regional conflict.
AustraliaAustralian airlines and passengers using similar routes may face stricter crew vetting procedures and longer security delays.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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