Dubai: A chilling new revelation has emerged from the investigation into the attempted takeover of a Flydubai passenger aircraft, with reports claiming that the Omani co-pilot allegedly planned to crash the plane into Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport in a 9/11-style attack.
The suspect, identified as Omani national Hammam al-Hammami, is accused of attacking the captain of Flydubai Flight FZ1073 while the aircraft was approaching Israel. Investigators reportedly learned during questioning that he had allegedly considered using a commercial aircraft to carry out an attack on Israeli territory.
According to reports based on the suspect’s interrogation, Ben Gurion Airport was allegedly his primary target. A major building in Tel Aviv was reportedly considered as an alternative target.
Attack unfolded over Israel
The incident occurred on September 30 when Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv with more than 170 people aboard.
As the Boeing 737 MAX 8 approached Israel, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national. During the struggle, the aircraft reportedly lost altitude rapidly, plunging thousands of feet within seconds.
Oman co-pilot confesses plan to crash FlyDubai plane into ISRAEL’S BUSIEST AIRPORT
Attacked pilot in JORDAN — intended to make a NORMAL LANDING APPROACH before crashing into Ben Gurion
Indian pilot OPENED COCKPIT DOOR, thwarting attack — N12 https://t.co/FrfrOktIvG
— RT (@RT_com) October 4, 2026
Despite suffering injuries, Machchhar managed to regain access to the cockpit. Passengers and other crew members then intervened and overpowered the attacker. Two pilots travelling as passengers reportedly assisted the crew in restoring control of the aircraft.
The plane was subsequently diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Alleged attack was planned
The latest reports have raised concerns that the cockpit assault may not have been an impulsive act.
Investigators reportedly suspect that the co-pilot had been considering an attack before joining Flydubai. He allegedly researched airlines operating flights to Israel and subsequently sought employment with an airline flying the Dubai-Tel Aviv route.
If confirmed, the allegations would indicate that the suspect may have deliberately placed himself in a position from which he could potentially gain control of a passenger aircraft.
The reported plan has drawn comparisons with the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States, when hijackers seized commercial aircraft and used them as weapons against major targets.
Previous concerns over extremist views
The investigation has also reportedly uncovered concerns about the suspect’s background.
Reports indicate that he had previously faced restrictions on flying in Oman because of concerns surrounding extremist views. Questions are now being raised over how he subsequently passed the recruitment and security screening required to work as a commercial pilot.
Authorities are examining his background, movements, communications and possible contacts to determine whether he acted alone or was influenced or assisted by others.
Aviation security under scrutiny
The incident has triggered renewed concerns about cockpit security.
Following the September 11 attacks, reinforced cockpit doors and strict access procedures were introduced across the global aviation industry to prevent unauthorised people from entering the flight deck.
The Flydubai incident presents a different security challenge: the alleged threat came from inside the cockpit itself.
The case has therefore prompted questions about whether existing screening procedures are sufficient to identify potential extremist behaviour among aviation personnel before they are placed in positions of responsibility.
Israeli authorities are reportedly reviewing aviation security arrangements, including the screening of pilots operating international flights into the country.
Investigation continues
The allegations surrounding the alleged Ben Gurion plot remain part of an ongoing investigation. Authorities are still examining the suspect’s motives, background and possible links to extremist organisations.
The most disturbing aspect of the case is the allegation that the incident may have been more than a sudden attempt to seize control of an aircraft. If investigators ultimately confirm the reported interrogation claims, the case could represent an extraordinary attempt by a member of an aircraft crew to turn a commercial passenger plane into a weapon against one of Israel’s most important airports.
For passengers aboard Flight FZ1073, the actions of the captain, fellow pilots, crew members and passengers ultimately prevented what authorities are investigating as a potentially catastrophic aviation attack.
