Flydubai Pilot Trained in UK, New Zealand Before Alleged Hijacking Attempt

Flydubai pilot Hamam Al-Hammami, suspected of attempting to hijack Flight FZ1023 and crash it into Ben Gurion Airport, received professional flight training in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. According to an investigation by The Telegraph, Al-Hammami trained at the L3 Airline Academy between 2018 and 2019, a period during which he also spent time in Hamilton, New Zealand, on a student visa for additional flight training. Investigators believe he trained at one or more British centers of the academy. The academy stated it is cooperating with authorities. Al-Hammami's now-deleted X account, @PilotHamam, suggested his time abroad was a period of "golden years of my religious devotion," noting he became less religious upon returning to Oman. Posts from the account also indicated he lived in London for about five months and expressed views on strict Islamic marriage and dress codes. The academy had business ties with Oman Air, where Al-Hammami previously worked before being grounded due to "extremist materials" found on his account, though he continued in an administrative role until 2025. Acron Aviation, which absorbed L3 Airline Academy, declined to confirm Al-Hammami's enrollment, citing privacy policies.

Israeli security services, Shin Bet, are involved in the investigation in the UAE. Al-Hammami reportedly told interrogators that his motive was revenge against Israel for its actions in Gaza, with Israeli officials stating he intended to steer the plane toward Ben Gurion Airport. He allegedly planned to wait until the plane was over Jordan before attempting to seize control, aiming for a mass casualty event. If unable to reach Israel, he reportedly planned to target a US military base in Jordan. The attack was initially planned for July but postponed due to a personal connection with a crew member whom Al-Hammami "spared." He had also visited Israel in June, reportedly preparing to become a "martyr."

The alleged hijacking attempt was thwarted by Captain Smith Machar, other pilots, and Israeli passengers. Al-Hammami reportedly intended to strike Captain Machar with an emergency axe before taking control. After Al-Hammami was subdued and the plane stabilized, the replacement pilots requested permission to land in Jordan, which was denied by Jordanian authorities upon realizing the situation. Al-Hammami told investigators he specifically chose Flydubai after researching airlines flying to Tel Aviv and had planned the operation before being hired by the company. Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported that Al-Hammami disengaged the autopilot, took manual control, shut down the engines, and pushed the control column forward forcefully.