Flydubai Pilot Planned 9/11-Style Attack on Tel Aviv's Azrieli Towers

The co-pilot of a Flydubai flight, Hammam Al-Hamami, allegedly planned a terrorist attack mirroring the September 11th attacks, intending to crash the plane into Tel Aviv's Azrieli Towers. The pilot, from Oman, reportedly aimed to neutralize the Indian captain, take his place, and steer the aircraft into the skyscrapers. This information was reported by Ynet journalist Smadar Peri, citing a high-ranking official in Abu Dhabi. According to the report, Al-Hamami, who worked for Flydubai for eight months, visited Israel dozens of times, including shortly before the incident.

Sources indicate that Mossad agents and Israeli aviation experts secretly traveled to Abu Dhabi to participate in the investigation. Representatives from Saudi, Omani, and U.S. intelligence agencies are also involved, though it remains unclear if foreign intelligence personnel will be allowed in interrogation rooms. Israeli investigators, however, are expected to have access.

Al-Hamami's background suggests a potential radicalization. His mother was from Syria, and he spent considerable time there, raising suspicions that he may have been influenced by Al-Qaeda ideology. During pilot training in Oman, "compromising materials" were reportedly found, leading to concerns about his exposure to radical jihadist ideas. He was allegedly restricted from flying passenger planes until his dismissal from Oman Air.

A UAE official acknowledged a "serious failure" in hiring processes, noting the current global pilot shortage leads airlines to hire quickly. Investigators are examining who hired Al-Hamami, the speed of his hiring, and if his recruiter is also under suspicion.

Following the investigation, Al-Hamami is expected to face the death penalty, according to the Abu Dhabi source. Despite no fatalities or injuries among passengers, the punishment is intended to be severe to demonstrate the UAE's resolve against terrorism, with no leniency or pardon expected.