Israeli Authorities Prepared to Shoot Down Flydubai Flight Amid Hijack Attempt
An attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight prompted Israeli officials to prepare for a potential shootdown as the aircraft entered Jordanian airspace.
The Flydubai flight was hijacked by co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, who attacked the captain.
Israeli Air Force scrambled jets and prepared to intercept the plane before it diverted to Saudi Arabia.
The hijacking incident is under investigation, with the assailant reportedly having premeditated the attack.
Israeli authorities were on high alert and prepared to take drastic measures against a Flydubai flight that signaled a hijacking in mid-air. The incident occurred when the aircraft, which was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, briefly entered Jordanian airspace. Co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked the flight captain, Smit Machchhar, leading to a chaotic situation that could have resulted in a catastrophic outcome.
The flight, carrying over 170 passengers and crew members, most of whom were Israeli, triggered a well-rehearsed emergency protocol in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the Israeli Air Force attempted to establish contact with the cockpit but received no response as the plane rapidly descended nearly 18,000 feet. In anticipation of a potential disaster, Israeli fighter jets were scrambled, and airspace was secured while a command center was activated.
As the situation unfolded, it became clear that the aircraft was not heading towards Israel but had diverted towards Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that the Indian pilot managed to regain control of the cockpit, allowing a group of Israeli passengers and Flydubai staff to subdue the assailant. The plane ultimately made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, averting a potential tragedy.
Israeli sources detailed the protocols in place for dealing with hijacking threats. If communication with the aircraft fails, fighter pilots would approach to visually assess the situation inside the cockpit and cabin. The established protocol allows for the possibility of shooting down a rogue flight if deemed necessary, with such a decision resting solely with the Prime Minister.
The assailant, Hamam al-Hammami, is currently detained in the UAE, where he reportedly confessed to planning the attack prior to his employment with Flydubai. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the motives behind this attempted hijacking, which is believed to be a lone-wolf act. Al-Hammami had only been with Flydubai for eight months, having previously worked with Oman Air for several years.
