A Flydubai copilot attempted to hijack a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight and crash it into a terminal at Ben Gurion Airport in a suicide attack on Sept. 30 before being subdued by the captain, the United Arab Emirates attorney general announced on Friday. The disclosure provided the most detailed official account yet of the incident, though prosecutors stated that Flydubai itself faced no wrongdoing.
Prosecutor Details 9/11-Inspired Cockpit Attack over Saudi Airspace
According to UAE prosecutors, the 29-year-old Omani copilot modeled the failed plot after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States. State news agency WAM reported that the suspect had taken two previous flights to Tel Aviv to familiarize himself with the flight route and the airport ahead of the planned attack. UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif al Shamsi confirmed the connection to the 2001 attacks following a criminal investigation opened on Oct. 1.
The aircraft was flying through Saudi airspace when the copilot attacked the captain with an emergency rescue axe typically stored in the flight deck. The assault triggered a rapid descent of 16,000 feet in 30 seconds. Two other pilots inside the cockpit managed to subdue the attacker and safely land the aircraft in Saudi Arabia. The suspect was subsequently transferred back to the UAE, where Flydubai is headquartered.
Recruitment Checks and Prior Background of the Suspect
Investigators reviewing Flydubai’s hiring procedures found that the pilot met all professional and security criteria, holding a valid pilot license and a clean background certificate. Al Shamsi noted that none of the checks uncovered any indication of extremist views or intent to carry out a terrorist plot. The pilot had previously flown for carriers including Oman Air before joining Flydubai in January 2026.
Despite passing airline vetting, the investigation revealed signs pointing toward extremism dating back to 2017 while the suspect studied in Australia. Royal Air Maroc confirmed that he completed a three-month training program there in 2025, but his subsequent job application with the airline was rejected.
Investigation and Suspect Background Verification
While UAE authorities did not officially name the suspect in public statements, a source directly briefed on the matter told Reuters that he was identified as Hammam al-Hammami, an Omani national. Al Shamsi stated that during questioning, the suspect admitted to preparing physically and mentally for the assault by watching extremist propaganda and taking boxing lessons. Meanwhile, authorities in Saudi Arabia have launched a separate security investigation into flight FZ1073, according to sources speaking to Reuters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What date did the incident occur? The attempted hijacking took place on Sept. 30, and UAE prosecutors formally opened their criminal investigation on Oct. 1.
Which airline operated the flight? The flight was operated by Flydubai, traveling on a route from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Where did the aircraft land after the attack? After the captain and crew subdued the copilot in Saudi airspace, two remaining pilots landed the plane safely in Saudi Arabia.
Who is conducting separate investigations into the flight? In addition to the UAE attorney general’s office, Saudi Arabia has opened a separate security inquiry into flight FZ1073.
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