Flydubai Co-Pilot Wanted ‘Revenge for Gaza’, US Base in Jordan Was ‘Plan B’: Report

Flydubai Co-Pilot Allegedly Planned Ben Gurion Crash

The Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a Flydubai flight allegedly intended to crash the aircraft at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport and was driven by a desire to seek revenge over Israel’s actions in Gaza, according to findings cited by Israeli media outlet Ynet.

Investigators reportedly believe the suspect, identified as Omani national al-Hammami, had also prepared an alternative target in case he could not reach Israel. The reported backup plan involved striking a US military facility in Jordan.

Attack Was Allegedly Planned Before Flight

According to investigators cited by Ynet, al-Hammami had been preparing for the attack well before the September 30 flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

Officials reportedly believe he had initially considered carrying out the attack in July but dropped that attempt because of a personal connection with another crew member.

His alleged primary plan was to bring down the aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. If the flight could not reach Israel, investigators believe he intended to divert the attack towards a US military installation in Jordan.

Israeli officials also reportedly told Ynet that al-Hammami had travelled to Israel as early as June and was preparing himself to become a “martyr”.

Other reports citing officials familiar with the investigation have said the suspect had previously contemplated attacking an Israel-bound aircraft before abandoning the idea.

Investigators Yet to Find Terror Group Link

Authorities have so far found no evidence indicating that al-Hammami was acting on behalf of a terrorist organisation or a foreign government.

The current line of investigation is that he may have acted alone, although officials are examining his international travel, contacts and activities to determine whether anyone may have influenced or assisted him.

Investigators are particularly examining trips to countries that Israel considers hostile or enemy states, including whether he came into contact with individuals who could have recruited, trained or directed him.

Australia, New Zealand Also Examine Background

Authorities in Australia and New Zealand are separately examining the suspect’s background.

Australian officials have confirmed that a joint counterterrorism investigation involving the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation is examining his links to Australia.

Al-Hammami reportedly held an Australian student visa and studied in the country between 2015 and 2017.

Captain Fought His Way Back Into Cockpit

The alleged plan came to light after al-Hammami attacked Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, aboard the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight on September 30.

The assault forced the aircraft into a dangerous descent before the captain managed to regain access to the cockpit despite his injuries. The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, where the largely Israeli passenger group was brought to safety.

Machchhar, who has 17 years of aviation experience, later described how he realised that the aircraft was rapidly losing altitude and forced himself back into the cockpit.

He relied on his knowledge of the aircraft and his training to respond to the emergency despite being seriously injured.

Aircraft Lost Around 17,000 Feet in a Minute

The severity of the incident became apparent as the aircraft rapidly lost altitude. According to Flightradar24 data cited in reports, the plane descended by approximately 17,000 feet in around one minute.

Passengers also stepped in during the crisis. Passenger Miryam Shira Ohayon described the aircraft as being “pretty much out of control” during the incident.

Officials Describe Incident as Terror Attack

UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash described the incident as a “terrorist act”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu separately alleged that the suspect had undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination”. Netanyahu also said the attacker repeatedly called on the crew to kill him, describing the behaviour as evidence that he was suicidal.

The investigation is continuing, with authorities examining the suspect’s motives, international contacts and whether anyone else was involved.

Flydubai Suspends Israel Flights

Following the incident, Flydubai suspended flights between the UAE and Israel.

Passengers from the affected flight were eventually transported back to Israel aboard a replacement aircraft as authorities continued investigating the attack and the alleged plans behind it.