FlyDubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Tel Aviv flight, UAE says

by@Reuters

Summary

On September 30, 2026, an Omani co-pilot for flydubai attempted to execute a suicide attack on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, aiming to crash the aircraft into the terminal at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport. The plot was foiled when the captain subdued the co-pilot, who had attacked him with a crash axe, causing the plane to rapidly descend before safely landing in Saudi Arabia. The UAE attorney general stated that the suspect had previously familiarized himself with flight routes to Tel Aviv and was reportedly inspired by the September 11 attacks. Notably, an investigation revealed that he had met all necessary professional and security requirements to hold his position; however, the airline's vetting procedures did not detect potential signs of extremism linked to the co-pilot.

Analysis

FlyDubai: FlyDubai is a Dubai-based low-cost airline operating passenger flights primarily across the Middle East and beyond. The carrier's Dubai to Tel Aviv flight on September 30 was the target of a foiled suicide attack attempt by one of its co-pilots, prompting an investigation into crew procedures. The airline was not implicated in any wrongdoing according to UAE authorities. Hammam al-Hammami: Hammam al-Hammami is an Omani national identified as the co-pilot suspect in the September 30 flydubai flight incident. He had prior employment with Oman Air and training experience with Royal Air Maroc before joining flydubai in January 2026. Investigators determined he had prepared for a 9/11-style attack using knowledge gained from earlier flights on the same route. Hamad Saif al Shamsi: Hamad Saif al Shamsi is the Attorney General of the United Arab Emirates, overseeing major criminal investigations and issuing official statements on security matters. He detailed the findings of the probe into the September 30 flydubai incident, confirming the co-pilot's extremist intentions and the absence of prior indicators during vetting. His office launched the formal investigation on October 1. Incident Response: The aircraft was diverted and safely landed in Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot was subdued by the captain and additional crew members on board. Vetting Procedures: Airline hiring processes require pilot licenses, certificates of good conduct, and security clearances but do not always detect signs of extremism.

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