Flydubai Copilot Planned Ben Gurion Crash, Report Says

Hamam al-Hammami allegedly told investigators he acted to “avenge Gaza” and wanted to “die as a martyr”; Israel is investigating possible outside help

The alleged plot to bring down Flydubai Flight 1073 was designed to end with the aircraft crashing at Ben Gurion Airport, after the copilot had secured a normal landing clearance and waited until the final moments to act. Israeli investigators are now examining whether Hamam al-Hammami planned the operation alone or received help from others.

Al-Hammami, an Omani national and the flight’s copilot, told investigators that he had acted “to avenge Gaza” and wanted to “die as a martyr,” Channel 12 reported. The Israeli broadcaster did not identify its sources; its report was subsequently carried by The Times of Israel.

The investigation has also turned to al-Hammami’s movements outside the United Arab Emirates. Channel 12, citing two sources, reported that a Mossad official told Israeli ministers that the copilot had made short trips in recent years to several countries considered hostile to Israel.

“We are checking whether, during these visits, an individual or organizations of any kind recruited him,” the official reportedly said.

Investigators are also examining al-Hammami’s cellphone. Israel has not yet determined whether he acted alone.

A plan built around the final moments of the flight

The suspected operation appears to have been prepared over several months.

Investigators believe al-Hammami intended first to get rid of the captain, then keep the aircraft on its normal course and obtain all the clearances required for landing. Only after reaching the final stage would he have attempted to crash the plane into a building or another aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport.

The timing would have been critical. By delaying the attack until the last possible moment, the plan was apparently designed to leave no time for an alert to be raised or for anyone to stop him.

Al-Hammami had reportedly visited Ben Gurion Airport several times in recent months while working Flydubai flights. During a trip in June, investigators believe, he concentrated specifically on gathering information and preparing the attack.

He had planned to carry it out in July but abandoned the operation at the last moment because he was friends with one of the crew members.

Israel does not suspect the other crew members

Israeli authorities do not currently believe that other members of the flight crew were involved in last Wednesday’s attempt to bring down the aircraft.

The crew members were questioned in the United Arab Emirates by investigators, who concluded that none had been involved in the terrorist attack. Israel requested the interviews after several passengers reported what they considered unusual behavior by other members of the staff.

The investigation is continuing as Israeli authorities examine al-Hammami’s travel history, his phone and any possible links to individuals or organizations that could have assisted him.

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