Flydubai co-pilot 'planned attack before being hired', targeted Israel airport
A flydubai co-pilot is under investigation for allegedly planning to seize control of a flight to Tel Aviv and crash it into Ben Gurion Airport. Reports indicate the suspect, Hamam al-Hammami, specifically sought employment with the airline to facilitate the attack.
Why it matters
This incident highlights severe security concerns regarding aviation personnel vetting and the potential for insider threats in international commercial travel.
New reports suggest that the flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking his captain and attempting to seize control of a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight had planned the attack before he was even hired by the airline. He had also intended to crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport, according to Israeli officials and sources cited in reports.Two Israeli officials with knowledge of the investigation told Reuters that the Omani national, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, told UAE interrogators that he had searched for airlines operating flights to Tel Aviv before applying to flydubai.A third source briefed on the UAE investigation said al-Hammami had previously operated a flydubai flight to Tel Aviv earlier this year and had considered carrying out the attack then.
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