Flydubai Co-Pilot Planned Ben Gurion Airport Attack, UAE Prosecutor Reveals
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi revealed that Flydubai co-pilot Humam Al Hammami planned to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport's terminal. The pilot intervened with crew and passenger help after being attacked with an axe in the cockpit. Al Hammami's radicalization reportedly began in 2017, and he used prior flights to study the airport. The investigation into potential accomplices is ongoing.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Flydubai co-pilot Humam Al Hammami planned to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport's terminal, UAE Attorney General revealed.
- The pilot was attacked with an axe in the cockpit but was rescued with help from crew and passengers.
- Al Hammami's radicalization began in 2017 in Australia, fueled by extremist content and a 9/11 obsession.
- He used two previous flights to Tel Aviv to study the flight path and airport layout.
- The suspect confessed to acting alone, but the UAE is investigating potential accomplices.
The UAE Attorney General, Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, disclosed new details on Friday regarding the investigation into a Flydubai flight incident. According to the Public Prosecution's statement, co-pilot Humam Al Hammami had planned to seize control of the aircraft and crash it into the passenger terminal at Ben Gurion Airport, aiming to cause mass casualties.
During the incident, the suspect allegedly attacked the pilot with an emergency axe inside the cockpit. The pilot, who was preparing for the return flight, noticed unusual activity at the cockpit door. He used his security code to enter and, with the assistance of a flight attendant and several passengers, managed to rescue the injured pilot and subdue the suspect.
The investigation revealed that Al Hammami's radicalization began in 2017 while he was studying in Australia. He was exposed to extremist content glorifying terrorist organizations and suicide attacks, developing an obsession with the 9/11 attacks. He prepared for his plan by consuming inciting material and undergoing boxing training.
Furthermore, the suspect had used two previous flights to Tel Aviv to study the flight path and airport layout, attempting to execute his plan on a third visit. Al Hammami previously worked for Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc before joining Flydubai in January 2026. The prosecution stated that he met all professional and security requirements upon hiring, with no prior indicators of his intentions detected.
The accused confessed to the actions and planning, claiming he acted alone. The UAE Public Prosecution is continuing its investigation to determine if he had any accomplices or other connections, and is analyzing recordings and technical reports.
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