‘Revenge for Gaza’: Flydubai Co-Pilot Allegedly Planned Israel Crash, Jordan Base as Backup

Flydubai Co-Pilot Had Alleged Two-Stage Attack Plan

The Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a Flydubai aircraft reportedly had a wider plan to bring down the passenger jet, with Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport allegedly identified as the main target and a US military facility in Jordan kept as a fallback option.

The details emerged from the ongoing investigation and were reported by Israeli outlet Ynet. Investigators reportedly believe the suspect, identified as Omani national al-Hammami, was motivated by a desire for revenge over Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Ben Gurion Was Reportedly the Primary Target

According to investigators cited by Ynet, the alleged plan had been in preparation well before the September 30 flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

Officials reportedly believe al-Hammami had considered carrying out an attack in July but ultimately abandoned that attempt because of a personal relationship with a member of the crew.

Investigators believe the main objective was to crash the aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. If the aircraft could not reach Israel, the reported alternative was to target a US military installation in Jordan.

Israeli officials also reportedly said the suspect had travelled to Israel as early as June and was preparing himself to become a “martyr”.

Suspect Allegedly Considered Earlier Attack

The investigation is also examining whether al-Hammami had previously explored ways to attack an Israel-bound flight.

Reports quoting officials familiar with the case said he had considered such an operation earlier but eventually abandoned the idea before the September 30 incident.

Authorities are now attempting to establish when the alleged plan took shape and whether the suspect received any assistance.

No Evidence Yet of Terror Group Direction

Investigators have not so far found evidence that al-Hammami was acting under orders from a terrorist organisation or a foreign government.

The current assessment reportedly points towards an individual acting independently. However, investigators are examining his movements and contacts in multiple countries to determine whether he was recruited, influenced or assisted by anyone.

His trips to countries considered hostile by Israel are also being scrutinised as part of the investigation.

Australia Probes His Previous Links

Authorities in Australia and New Zealand are separately looking into the suspect’s background.

Australian officials have confirmed that a joint counterterrorism team involving the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation is examining his links to the country.

Al-Hammami reportedly lived in Australia on a student visa and studied there between 2015 and 2017.

Captain Machchhar Regained Control

The alleged plot surfaced after the co-pilot attacked Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, inside the cockpit of the Flydubai flight on September 30.

The assault resulted in a rapid loss of altitude. Machchhar, despite sustaining injuries, managed to regain access to the cockpit after realising that the aircraft was descending dangerously.

The captain, who has 17 years of experience in aviation, used his knowledge of the aircraft and the emergency situation to regain control.

The aircraft eventually made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, allowing the passengers to disembark safely.

Plane Plunged 17,000 Feet in About a Minute

The aircraft’s sudden descent was captured in flight-tracking data. According to Flightradar24, the plane lost roughly 17,000 feet within about one minute.

Passengers also attempted to help during the crisis. One passenger, Miryam Shira Ohayon, later recalled that the aircraft appeared to be “pretty much out of control”.

Officials Call Incident a Terrorist Act

UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash described the episode as a “terrorist act”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also claimed that the suspect had undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination”. Netanyahu said the attacker had called on the crew to kill him, describing his actions as suicidal.

Investigators continue to examine the suspect’s ideology, movements and contacts as they try to determine the full circumstances surrounding the alleged attack.

Flydubai Suspends UAE-Israel Flights

Flydubai suspended its flights between the UAE and Israel following the incident.

The passengers were later returned to Israel on a replacement aircraft, while investigators continued their probe into the attack and the alleged plans behind it.