The Times of India, citing Israeli officials, says the suspect allegedly planned to crash a plane into Ben Gurion Airport before joining the airline. The claims have not been publicly confirmed by investigators.
Israel’s Shin Bet security service has sent interrogators to the United Arab Emirates to take part in questioning Hamam al-Hammami, a Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking a flight bound for Israel, the Times of India reported. Two Israeli officials familiar with the investigation told the newspaper that al-Hammami allegedly said he had planned to crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport before he was hired by Flydubai.
The same sources linked the alleged motive to the war in Gaza, according to the report. Channel 12 also reported their account of the suspect’s statements. Another person briefed on the UAE investigation said al-Hammami had previously flown to Tel Aviv and considered hijacking that aircraft but did not act. These claims have not been presented as publicly released findings by investigators.
The incident occurred aboard flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Earlier reports said the co-pilot attacked captain Smit Machchhar with an emergency axe while the aircraft was over Jordan. Crew and passengers subdued him. The plane was diverted to Tabuk, where it landed at 10:57 a.m. More than 170 passengers and crew were aboard.
The Associated Press has noted that authorities in the UAE, Israel and Oman have disclosed few details about the suspect’s motives. The claims attributed to unnamed sources should therefore be treated as preliminary. The investigation continues.