The co-pilot of FlyDubai, who allegedly attacked the captain in a bid to crash the plane, has informed U.A.E. authorities that he had premeditated the assault even before joining the Dubai-based airline. According to two Israeli officials familiar with the investigation, the Omani co-pilot had plotted to crash the flight bound for Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv. Previously, he had contemplated hijacking and crashing a flight to Tel Aviv earlier in the year but chose not to proceed, possibly due to knowing someone onboard.
The reasons behind the co-pilot’s change of plans during the previous flight remain unclear. All sources spoke on the condition of anonymity regarding the ongoing investigation. Both U.A.E. and Israeli authorities, as well as FlyDubai, have yet to comment on the matter.
The co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami by two sources, was restrained by passengers and crew after the attack on FlyDubai flight FZ1073. The pilot, Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, is being hailed as a hero for successfully managing the situation and landing the aircraft safely. Following the incident, the co-pilot was detained by Saudi authorities and subsequently transferred to the U.A.E.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has raised concerns over foreign pilots operating flights to Israel, especially those from countries with which Israel lacks diplomatic relations. A security review of foreign airlines flying to Israel has been ordered in response to the incident.
New Zealand authorities revealed that the co-pilot had spent time in New Zealand, prompting investigations by local law enforcement agencies. Additionally, an Australian counterterrorism unit is looking into the co-pilot’s connections to Australia, where he had studied at RMIT University in Melbourne a decade ago.
Prime Minister Netanyahu suggested that the co-pilot had been influenced by radical Islamist teachings and displayed suicidal tendencies, although specifics about the indoctrination remain undisclosed. The co-pilot had previously undergone theoretical training at Royal Air Maroc in 2025, but his application to work there was subsequently rejected by the Moroccan airline.