UAE prosecutors allege that the Flydubai co-pilot who attacked his captain intended a suicide strike on Ben Gurion airport’s passenger terminal. Their October 9 findings also link his alleged radicalisation to study in Australia. Australian and New Zealand authorities are examining his background, while investigators continue checking his account that he acted alone. The allegations remain part of an ongoing inquiry.
United Arab Emirates prosecutors announced new findings on October 9 in the investigation of a Flydubai co-pilot’s cockpit attack. They allege that Hammam al-Hammami intended to strike the passenger terminal at Ben Gurion airport serving Tel Aviv. The prosecutors also linked his alleged radicalisation to his period of study in Australia. Australian counterterrorism authorities are examining his connections to the country.[1], [2]
The prosecution alleges that two earlier flights to Tel Aviv served as reconnaissance of the route and airport. It says the suspect drew inspiration from the September 11 attacks and entered aviation to carry out a similar operation. He said he acted alone; investigators continue testing that account. The claimed motive and preparation remain prosecutor allegations in an ongoing investigation.[1]
He spent about two years in Australia and left his engineering degree unfinished in 2017. New Zealand authorities opened an inquiry after police confirmed that he received flight training there roughly a year later.[1]
During the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight, the co-pilot attacked the captain with an emergency axe. The wounded captain opened the cockpit door and passengers subdued the attacker. An off-duty pilot travelling aboard landed the aircraft safely in Saudi Arabia. The suspect is in Emirati custody. Agencies are examining recruitment and vetting checks after his work at Oman Air, Royal Air Maroc and Flydubai.[1]
