An Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv passenger flight had allegedly planned to seize control of the aircraft and crash it into the passenger terminal at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, the United Arab Emirates’ top prosecutor, Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, said on Friday.
The alleged plot came to light during the investigation into the September 30 incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073, when the co-pilot attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with an emergency axe inside the cockpit. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely after the crew and passengers intervened to overpower the suspect.
The 29-year-old co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami by foreign media, had allegedly prepared in advance to take control of the aircraft and carry out a suicide attack intended to cause the greatest possible loss of life. According to the UAE investigation, his intended target was the passenger terminal at Tel Aviv’s international airport.
Suspect allegedly drew inspiration from September 11 attacks
Investigators said al-Hammami’s confession indicated that the September 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Centre’s Twin Towers in the United States had inspired his alleged plan. The attacks killed thousands of people.
According to the account shared by investigators, the idea of replicating such an operation using an aircraft became established in his thinking. He reportedly linked this motivation to his decision to pursue a career in aviation.
The UAE investigation found that the suspect had begun developing extremist views in 2017, while studying in Australia. He allegedly used two previous flights to Tel Aviv to familiarise himself with the route and the airport before attempting to carry out the planned attack on September 30.
According to investigators, the suspect also prepared himself psychologically and physically for the alleged operation by increasing his exposure to material promoting terrorism and undertaking boxing training with a private coach.
How the cockpit attack unfolded
On the day of the incident, al-Hammami allegedly attacked Captain Machchhar with an emergency axe inside the cockpit in an attempt to seize control of the aircraft.
A captain travelling on the return flight, a crew member and several passengers intervened to rescue Machchhar and subdue the suspect. The aircraft had plunged by around 17,000 feet during the incident, according to reports, as those on board struggled to regain control.
The intervention enabled the crew to restore control of the aircraft and divert it safely to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
A forensic medical report found that Machchhar had sustained recent injuries concentrated on the head, which investigators described as a vital area where injuries could potentially prove fatal. The injuries were consistent with the timing of the incident and with the use of an implement matching the characteristics of an emergency axe.
Investigators said the medical findings also corresponded with statements provided by the captain, the suspect and other witnesses.
The Public Prosecution has recorded statements from the injured captain, the pilot travelling on the return flight, his co-pilot and other crew members.
Suspect’s career across multiple airlines examined
Investigators have traced al-Hammami’s professional career across several airlines as part of their efforts to establish how he came to be employed by flydubai.
He worked for Oman Air from 2020 to 2024 before joining Royal Air Maroc in early 2025. He remained with the Moroccan airline for several months before moving to flydubai in January 2026.
The investigation also examined the procedures followed during his recruitment by flydubai. According to the findings, he had met the airline’s professional and security requirements, including holding a pilot’s licence, submitting a certificate of good conduct and completing the required checks.
However, these procedures did not identify any indications of extremist views or an intention to carry out an attack.
The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of the screening procedures used to assess pilots before they are permitted to operate passenger flights. Separately, media reports have cited sources who alleged that al-Hammami had previously been barred from flying in Oman because of concerns about his extremist views.
Investigators probe alleged links in Australia
Authorities have also examined the suspect’s activities while he was studying in Melbourne, Australia.
According to investigators, al-Hammami told them that he regularly attended a mosque affiliated with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), where he became acquainted with individuals associated with a centre known as “My Centre”.
He alleged that the centre was managed by a Lebanese man known as “Abu Hamza” and received support from an association linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. These claims form part of the account being examined by investigators and have not been presented here as independently established facts.
The UAE authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged radicalisation and whether the suspect had any connections that could have facilitated the planned attack.
Australian authorities have also been examining his links to the country. A multi-agency Australian police and intelligence team was reported to be investigating the incident and his associations there.
Confession and investigation into possible accomplices
In his confession, given in the presence of his lawyer, al-Hammami reportedly said that he had acted alone.
However, UAE prosecutors have not concluded their investigation into whether other individuals were involved or whether the alleged attack had wider connections. Investigators are examining physical evidence, recordings and technical reports as they seek to verify his account and establish the full circumstances and motive behind the incident.
Al Shamsi said the investigation remained open, with authorities continuing to examine the suspect’s claim that he acted independently and to establish whether there were any accomplices or other links.
Further findings will be announced as appropriate, in accordance with the requirements of the ongoing investigation.