UAE Investigation Links Flydubai Co-Pilot to 9/11 Inspiration
Preliminary findings reveal that the co-pilot of a Flydubai flight aimed to crash into Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, motivated by the 9/11 attacks.
Hamam al-Hammami, 29, planned to hijack a flight to Ben Gurion Airport.
He was radicalized while studying in Australia, influenced by extremist content.
Flydubai's hiring process met all security standards, with no red flags identified.
The United Arab Emirates has released preliminary findings indicating that Hamam al-Hammami, the co-pilot of a Flydubai flight, was inspired by the September 11 attacks to attempt a hijacking. On September 30, al-Hammami allegedly aimed to take control of the aircraft and crash it into the passenger terminal at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, a major international hub.
Al-Hammami, 29, had previously flown to Ben Gurion Airport twice before the incident, ostensibly to familiarize himself with the route and airport layout. According to UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the co-pilot's intentions were to replicate the catastrophic events of 9/11, which resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities. His plan involved a premeditated attack targeting the airport's passenger terminal, with the objective of maximizing casualties.
The investigation revealed that al-Hammami began his journey towards extremism in 2017 while studying in Australia. He was reportedly influenced by extremist literature and online content that glorified terrorist acts. Al-Hammami prepared himself for his plot by increasing his exposure to inciting materials and training in boxing, which he undertook under a private coach. His employment history showed a pattern of concern regarding his radical views, as Oman Air had previously removed him from flight training due to these issues.
The UAE authorities also scrutinized the recruitment process at Flydubai, where al-Hammami met all necessary professional and security criteria, including holding a valid pilot's license and passing background checks. Attorney General Al Shamsi stated that there were no indications during the hiring process that suggested al-Hammami had extremist inclinations or intentions to execute a terrorist act.
As investigations continue, authorities are verifying al-Hammami's claim that he acted independently. The incident raises significant concerns about aviation security and the potential for radicalization within the industry, prompting calls for a review of recruitment practices across airlines in the region.
