Omani co-pilot planned to crash flydubai jet into Ben Gurion Airport
An Omani co-pilot accused of attacking an Indian captain on a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight allegedly planned to crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport, according to Israeli media reports citing his interrogation. The suspect, Hamam al-Hammami, reportedly chose flydubai because it flew to Tel Aviv and intended to kill the captain, continue the flight normally, then deliberately crash it upon landing clearance. He allegedly abandoned an earlier attempt in July because a friend was on the crew. The plot unraveled on September 30 when the captain fought back after being attacked with an emergency axe, allowing crew to restrain the co-pilot and land safely in Saudi Arabia. Authorities are now reviewing security clearances and investigating possible external links.