Flydubai co-pilot planned attack before joining airline, sources say
by@Reuters
Summary
The co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073, an Omani national, allegedly planned an attack to crash the aircraft into Israel's Ben Gurion airport before being hired by the airline, according to two Israeli officials. During UAE interrogations, the co-pilot indicated he had intended to hijack and crash a previous flight to Tel Aviv earlier this year but ultimately did not proceed with that plan. The attack occurred last Wednesday when he used a crash axe against the captain, an incident described by the UAE prosecutor as a "terrorist attack." Following the event, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mandated a review of foreign airlines operating to Israel, particularly regarding pilots from nations without diplomatic ties to the country.
Analysis
flydubai: flydubai is a Dubai-based airline operating regional and international routes, including services to Israel. It employed the co-pilot involved in the alleged terrorist attack on flight FZ1073 and has not issued a public statement on the ongoing investigation. The incident occurred on a flight departing from Dubai. Smit Machchhar: Smit Machchhar is an Indian national who served as the pilot on flydubai flight FZ1073. He was stabbed during the alleged attack but succeeded in opening the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to subdue the co-pilot. His actions contributed to preventing the plane from being crashed. Hamam al-Hammami: Hamam al-Hammami is an Omani national identified as the co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073. He is currently in UAE custody after allegedly attacking the pilot with an axe in an attempt to crash the plane. Interrogators were told he had planned the attack prior to joining the airline and had previously operated a flight to Tel Aviv. Israeli officials: Israeli officials have been briefed by UAE authorities on the probe into the flydubai incident and shared details with media sources. They confirmed the co-pilot's pre-employment planning of the attack and noted Israel's receipt of continuous updates from the UAE. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for a review of foreign pilot assignments on flights to Israel. Investigation Updates: UAE authorities have been providing ongoing briefings to Israeli officials regarding the probe into the alleged terrorist attack. Aviation Security Review: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a review of foreign airlines operating flights to Israel following the incident involving a pilot from a country without diplomatic relations.
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