Flydubai co-pilot postponed planned July hijacking, investigators say

Investigators believe the co-pilot who attempted to hijack a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flydubai flight last week originally planned the attack for July but postponed it, possibly because a friend was among the crew. Hamam al-Hammami, 29, allegedly attacked the pilot with an emergency crash axe about two hours into the flight carrying over 180 passengers, before being overpowered and detained in Saudi Arabia. He reportedly planned to crash into Ben Gurion airport. Investigations across more than eight countries are examining Hammami's background, including prior employment with Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc, and his social media posts containing misogynistic and extremist content. The attack occurred a week before the anniversary of the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack.