Flydubai Co-Pilot Allegedly Planned 9/11-Style Attack on Ben Gurion Airport: Reports

Tel Aviv: The Flydubai co-pilot who attempted to hijack a flight bound for Tel Aviv was planning to target Ben Gurion Airport, according to reports. Israeli media reported that Hamam al-Hammami told UAE investigators about the plan following his arrest.

According to the reports, Hammami planned to attack and kill the aircraft's captain, Smith Machar, before taking control of the plane, flying it normally and obtaining landing clearance. He allegedly intended to then crash the flight into a building at the airport or another aircraft in a 9/11-style attack.

However, the Indian captain, who was injured in the attack, fought back and sent an emergency message before opening the cockpit door allowing the crew members and passengers to overpower the co-pilot and regain control of the aircraft. Two pilots who were off duty later landed the plane safely in Saudi Arabia.

Reports said Hammami had planned the attack in July but postponed it at the last minute. He allegedly said he had formulated the plan before joining Flydubai and had joined the airline after finding out which airline operated flights to Tel Aviv.

The 29-year-old Hammami was reportedly linked to extremist ideology and had shared messages supporting al-Qaeda online. It also emerged that his homecountry had barred him from flying planes.

The incident also raised questions over lapses in aviation security. Officials said passenger and crew details had been shared, but there had been no security alert in Israel regarding Hammami. The investigation into the incident is continuing.