Omani Co-Pilot on Flydubai Israel Route Allegedly Planned to Kill Indian Captain and Crash Flight Into Ben Gurion Airport

The Omani flydubai co-pilot allegedly planned to kill his Indian captain and crash their aircraft. Investigators say Hamam al-Hammami planned to fly toward Tel Aviv before attacking Ben Gurion Airport.

He allegedly intended to crash the aircraft into another plane or building at Ben Gurion Airport. Israeli media reported that al-Hammami also planned to kill Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit. He allegedly wanted to seize control after attacking Machchhar inside the aircraft’s locked cockpit. According to Channel 13, al-Hammami developed the alleged plan before joining flydubai as crew. Investigators reportedly learned that he deliberately selected flydubai because the airline served Israel.

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Authorities Examine Co-Pilot’s Background and Alleged Flight Attack Plan

He reportedly told investigators that he researched airlines flying to Tel Aviv before choosing flydubai. He allegedly developed the attack plan before the airline hired him. Al-Hammami also reportedly used previous Israel trips to gather information for his plans. He initially planned the attack for July but changed his plans after befriending crew members. Investigators say he considered alternative targets if he could not reach Israel. He allegedly planned to crash the aircraft into a US military base in Jordan. Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported that al-Hammami interfered with the aircraft controls. He allegedly switched off the engines and pushed the rudders forward during the attack. The actions reportedly sent the aircraft plunging 16,000 feet in less than a minute. The aircraft reportedly neared the speed of sound before passengers regained control.

Machchhar reportedly fought back despite suffering injuries during the cockpit attack over Jordan. Passengers then entered the cockpit, restrained al-Hammami and helped regain control. Two off-duty pilots later flew the aircraft safely to Saudi Arabia. Australian counter-terrorism authorities reportedly examined al-Hammami’s background after the incident. Police also investigated his engineering studies in Melbourne between 2015 and 2017. Investigators reportedly examined whether he became radicalised while studying in Australia. Reports also claimed Oman previously barred him from flying over extremist concerns. Authorities now face questions about how he gained permission to operate passenger flights. The investigation continues as officials examine his background, motives and alleged extremist links. Authorities have not confirmed every detail surrounding the reported plot and cockpit attack. Officials are expected to review security procedures that allowed him to operate passenger flights. The investigation could reveal whether warning signs appeared before he joined flydubai. Authorities are also examining whether anyone else knew about or supported his alleged plans.

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