flydubai Co-Pilot Planned To Crash Plane Into Israel Airport In 9/11 Repeat
An Omani co-pilot attempted to crash a flydubai flight into Ben Gurion Airport in a planned 9/11-style attack, but was thwarted by the Indian captain. The pilot fought back despite being injured, allowing the crew to regain control and land the plane safely in Saudi Arabia.
Why it matters
This incident represents a major near-miss in aviation security and highlights the critical role of pilot intervention in preventing mass-casualty terrorism.
The flydubai co-pilot who tried to crash a flight to Tel Aviv reportedly planned to crash the aircraft into Israel's Ben Gurion Airport. Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani first officer who is under arrest, told investigators in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that he intended to continue flydubai Flight 1073 as normal after killing the flight's captain, Smit Machchhar, to receive all necessary landing clearances without raising suspicion, and to then crash the plane into a building or jet at the airport in a 9/11-like attack, Israel's Hebrew media outlets reported. Quoting sources, Ynet reported that al-Hammami told investigators that to put his plan in motion, he attacked Machchhar over Jordan, as the plane was approaching Israel. By waiting until the last moment, al-Hammami believed he would have kept anyone from realising what was happening, not giving them time to alert or stop him from carrying out his plan. He also reportedly said if…
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