UAE Investigates Potential Crew Involvement in Flydubai Hijacking Attempt

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates are expanding their investigation into the attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight, examining whether co-pilot Mamam Al-Hamami acted alone or received assistance from other crew members. This new phase focuses on the conduct of the additional six crew members, including flight attendants, who were on board.

The inquiry is seeking to determine if any of them were involved in the incident, either through prior coordination or real-time assistance, particularly concerning actions near the cockpit door during the event. While Al-Hamami remains the primary suspect, the UAE investigation aims to build a comprehensive picture of the events within the aircraft.

Israeli security officials, meanwhile, are maintaining a more cautious approach, focusing primarily on Al-Hamami's motives and actions. This difference in focus is seen as a division of labor rather than a dispute, with Israel concentrating on the main suspect and the UAE exploring the broader context.

A key piece of evidence prompting the expanded investigation comes from passenger Yaniv Hayoun, who reported seeing a crew member in a white shirt standing outside the cockpit, holding the door handle. Hayoun could not determine if the crew member was trying to keep the door shut or open it, a detail now considered significant by investigators.

Investigators plan to review passenger testimonies, onboard footage, and crew communications to reconstruct the critical minutes of the incident. The possibility of additional crew involvement is being explored to either confirm or deny this scenario, with the ultimate goal of understanding whether the incident was a solo act or part of a larger plan.