Omani Co-Pilot Planned Attack on flydubai Flight in 2023
The UAE reveals that the co-pilot developed extremist views while studying in Australia, leading to a violent cockpit incident.
The co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, planned to crash the flight at Tel Aviv's airport.
He had previously developed extremist ideologies during his studies in Australia.
The investigation is ongoing to determine if he had any accomplices.
On September 30, 2023, an Omani co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, attempted to seize control of flydubai flight FZ1073, aiming to crash it at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. This alarming incident was disclosed by Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the UAE's top prosecutor, who stated that the co-pilot had meticulously planned the attack, drawing inspiration from the September 11 attacks in the United States.
Al-Hammami, 29, reportedly began cultivating extremist views in 2017 while studying in Australia. Investigators revealed that he had used two previous flights to Tel Aviv to familiarize himself with the airport and its layout, indicating a premeditated approach to the attack. On the day of the incident, he attacked the flight's captain with an emergency axe in the cockpit, leading to a chaotic struggle for control of the aircraft.
The captain, Smit Machchhar, sustained significant injuries during the attack, primarily to his head, which were consistent with the use of an emergency axe. Fortunately, fellow crew members and passengers intervened, managing to subdue the assailant and divert the aircraft safely to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. A forensic report corroborated the captain's injuries with the timeline of the attack.
The investigation into the incident has revealed that al-Hammami had a varied career in aviation, having worked for multiple airlines, including Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc, before joining flydubai. Authorities are also scrutinizing his activities while in Melbourne, where he frequented a mosque linked to individuals associated with extremist ideologies. His confession indicated that he had been preparing for the attack by consuming terrorist propaganda and training in boxing.
As the investigation continues, UAE authorities are examining all evidence, including recordings and technical reports, to ascertain whether al-Hammami acted alone or had accomplices. The Public Prosecution is actively collecting statements from witnesses, including the injured captain and other crew members, to build a comprehensive understanding of the incident. Further updates will be provided as the inquiry progresses.
