Flydubai co-pilot planned attack for months, targeted Tel Aviv route

The co-pilot of the Flydubai flight that was attacked on Wednesday allegedly planned the assault for months, reportedly targeting Tel Aviv and choosing the airline specifically for its route there. He is suspected of attempting to crash the plane. Investigators say Hamam al-Hammami scouted Ben Gurion Airport multiple times and considered acting in July before aborting. He was previously removed from flying duties at Oman Air in 2024 over extremist material, and Australian authorities are examining his student visa period there from 2015 to 2017. The attack unfolded when he struck the captain with an axe, but passengers subdued him after the captain opened the cockpit door. Two off-duty pilots landed the plane in Saudi Arabia, with authorities calling it a terrorist attempt, though the investigation into his motives and links continues.