Co-Pilot Planned to Crash Flydubai Jet on Ben Gurion Terminal

New details from the investigation into the co-pilot who attempted to hijack a Flydubai flight reveal he planned to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport's terminal, according to Israeli officials. Mamam Al-Hamami allegedly intended to approach the airport on a normal landing path and, at the last moment, divert the aircraft into the terminal to cause mass casualties. Officials stated that this was the reason he initiated the takeover attempt only when the flight was over Jordan, aiming for a seemingly routine approach to Tel Aviv.

Al-Hamami reportedly confessed during interrogation that he had planned the operation even before being hired by Flydubai, specifically choosing the airline because it flew to Tel Aviv. He had applied to all airlines, seeking to carry out his plan. The plot was foiled when the Indian pilot, who was injured, opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers to regain control.

Israeli intelligence and aviation experts are participating in the investigation, which is being conducted in Abu Dhabi. Saudi, Omani, and at least two American intelligence representatives are also involved. A senior UAE official suggested that investigators are examining the possibility that Al-Hamami, 29, intended to replicate the 9/11 attacks by crashing the plane into a tall building in Israel, with the Azrieli Center towers in Tel Aviv reportedly among the potential targets.

Al-Hamami was previously dismissed from Oman Air due to extremist views and was barred from piloting in his home country. He later traveled to Morocco and Syria before being hired by Flydubai. During his eight months with the airline, he reportedly flew to Israel dozens of times, with his last visit occurring just days before the incident. The investigation is also scrutinizing his hiring process, as "incriminating materials" were allegedly found in his possession during training in Oman, leading to restrictions on his cockpit access until his dismissal.

Following the investigation's conclusion, Al-Hamami is expected to face the death penalty. The UAE official emphasized that despite no fatalities among passengers, the Emirates intends to seek the harshest punishment to serve as a deterrent, stating there would be no leniency or pardon.