A chilling new development has emerged in the investigation into the attempted hijacking of a flydubai passenger aircraft, with investigators reportedly examining claims that the co-pilot had planned to seize control of the plane and deliberately crash it in or near Tel Aviv.
The revelations have intensified scrutiny of the September 30 incident involving flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit. Investigators believe the incident may have been a planned attack rather than an impulsive act.
According to reports cited by international media, the co-pilot of flydubai identified by several outlets as 29-year-old Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly intended to kill the captain, take control of the aircraft and crash it into a building in Tel Aviv or another aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport.
Israeli investigators have so far indicated that the suspect likely acted alone, although the investigation remains ongoing and authorities are examining all possible motives and connections.
Alleged Plan to Crash the Aircraft
According to details reported by Italian and Israeli media, flydubai co-pilot al-Hammami allegedly planned to wait until the aircraft was over Jordan before attempting to take control. Investigators believe this may have been intended to provide him with additional time to carry out the alleged plan without immediately triggering an emergency response.
Reports say he allegedly planned to incapacitate Captain Machchhar, shut down the aircraft’s engines and subsequently crash the plane into a building or another aircraft near Tel Aviv.
The reported plan has drawn comparisons with the September 11 attacks because of the alleged intention to use a passenger aircraft as a weapon. However, investigators have not publicly established a wider terrorist network behind the incident.
The UAE has already described the cockpit assault as a “terrorist act”, while investigations involving the UAE, Israel and Saudi Arabia continue.
Captain Smit Machchhar Fought Back
The alleged plot was disrupted after Captain Machchhar fought back during the violent cockpit confrontation.
According to reports, the co-pilot attacked the Indian captain with an onboard crash axe before attempting to gain control of the aircraft. During the struggle, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 entered a dramatic descent, reportedly dropping from around 36,000 feet to approximately 17,000 feet within minutes.
Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, enabling crew members and passengers to intervene. Two off-duty pilots who were travelling on the aircraft subsequently helped take control of the flight.
The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. The passengers were later able to continue their journey to Israel.
Investigators Examine Co-Pilot’s Background
The investigation has also expanded beyond the cockpit incident to examine al-Hammami’s personal and professional history.
Reports indicate that he had previously worked for Oman Air but was reportedly barred from flying after concerns were raised about extremist material and his ideological views. Investigators are now examining how he subsequently returned to aviation and was able to obtain employment with flydubai.
Also Read | IIT Student Suicides: Rising Academic Pressure Sparks Urgent Mental Health Crisis Debate
His online activity is also reportedly being scrutinised. Investigators are examining deleted social-media material and other digital records as they attempt to determine whether the alleged attack was connected to a broader extremist ideology or was the act of an individual.
Australian authorities are separately examining his links to Australia, where he reportedly studied before returning to the aviation sector. Reuters reported that Australian counter-terrorism authorities are investigating his background and possible connections in the country.
Security Questions Mount After Mid-Air Attack
The incident has raised serious questions about pilot screening, aviation security and the procedures used to assess personnel operating international passenger flights.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a comprehensive review of security arrangements surrounding foreign commercial flights entering Israel following the incident. The review comes amid concerns about how the suspect was able to operate on a flight bound for Tel Aviv despite earlier questions reportedly surrounding his background.
The case has also attracted international attention because of Captain Machchhar’s actions. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders have praised the pilot for helping prevent what could have become a catastrophic aviation disaster. Machchhar remains under medical care but is reported to be recovering.
Probe Remains Underway
The co-pilot remains in UAE custody as authorities continue questioning him. Reports have suggested that he could face extremely severe punishment if convicted, potentially including the death penalty, but no final sentence has been announced.
Investigators are still working to establish the precise motive, the extent of the alleged planning and whether anyone else was involved.
For now, the dramatic struggle aboard Flight FZ1073 has become a major international aviation-security investigation. What began as a terrifying cockpit assault has evolved into a probe into an alleged plan that, if confirmed, could have resulted in one of the most devastating aviation disasters in years.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates and exclusive coverage.
