Flydubai co-pilot scouted airport twice before hijack attempt
A co-pilot made two practice flights on the Dubai-Tel Aviv route. He planned to crash the plane into Tel Aviv airport.
The 29-year-old Omani co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, attacked the captain of Flight FZ1073 on September 30. He intended to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.
To prepare, he made two earlier trips on the same route to learn about it. During the attack, the plane plunged more than 4000 metres in less than 30 seconds.
A pilot who was on the return flight noticed the cockpit door opening and closing strangely. He entered using the access code and saw the attack.
He and cabin crew stopped al-Hammami and steadied the aircraft. The plane landed safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Hammami told authorities he acted alone but was inspired by the September 11 attacks. He began moving toward extremism while studying in Australia in 2017, according to UAE investigators.
- 29-year-old Omani
- Co-pilot age and nationality
- FZ1073, Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Flight and route
- September 30
- Attack date
- Over 4000 metres in less than 30 seconds
- Plane descent
Why it mattersThe case shows how a commercial pilot with security clearance can become extreme over years. He planned carefully for a mass-casualty attack. This reveals gaps in how airlines watch their crew.
AustraliaThe hijacker was radicalised while studying in Australia, highlighting how extremist content online can reach people across borders and shape violent intentions.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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