The co-pilot of a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv allegedly planned to crash the aircraft into the Israeli city, according to sources. Hamam al-Hammami, 29, is accused of attempting to seize control of the plane and attack the captain, Smit Machchhar, with an onboard crash axe. The incident reportedly took place after the co-pilot abandoned an earlier plot to crash the plane into Tel Aviv because a friend was onboard.
UAE authorities shared details about the flight with Israel, including the names and nationalities of the pilots, according to regional officials. This exchange raised questions about how the attacker evaded security checks. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the National Security Council to review all security aspects related to foreign civil aviation.
U.S. Officials and a former Israeli security official suggest the co-pilot acted alone, rather than as part of a larger organization or on behalf of a foreign government. The incident has prompted a review of aviation security protocols, particularly concerning foreign pilots.
The co-pilot’s alleged intentions mirror the 9/11 attacks, with plans to cause mass casualties. Passengers and crew reportedly intervened to prevent the attack, leading to a confrontation in the cockpit. The case highlights ongoing concerns about security in international air travel and the challenges of identifying potential threats.
