UAE prosecutors say a FlyDubai co-pilot planned a 9/11-style suicide attack on an Israeli flight, aiming to crash it into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport. The incident involved a sudden 17,000-foot plunge and a struggle in the cockpit that was averted by the captain and other passengers.
The 29-year-old Omani co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, used two prior flights to Tel Aviv to familiarize himself with the route and airport. He was inspired by al Qaeda's 9/11 attacks and prepared psychologically and physically for the attack, including taking boxing lessons.
UAE investigators found the co-pilot met all professional and security requirements but did not detect extremist views during recruitment. The incident has led to a review of aviation security protocols, highlighting the need for enhanced checks on foreign pilots.
The suspect was transferred to the UAE after the incident, and Saudi authorities are conducting a separate safety investigation into the flight's emergency landing.