Omani pilot plotted to crash Flydubai plane into Tel Aviv airport

An Omani pilot, Hamam Hamami, allegedly attempted to crash a Flydubai plane into Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, according to investigators. He is charged with attempted hijacking and causing an aviation incident, and he reportedly confessed to police during questioning. Hamami told investigators he deliberately sought employment with airlines flying to Tel Aviv, planning the attack before being hired. He intended to incapacitate the captain, then crash the aircraft into the airport or a skyscraper, waiting until the last moment to prevent alarm. The plot failed when the captain opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to subdue the attacker, forcing an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Investigators are examining whether Hamami acted alone or had extremist ties. He had been banned from flying in Oman over such concerns, and had visited Ben Gurion Airport in June to gather intelligence. Israeli officials have called it a suspected jihadist attack, while a prior report warned of security gaps in foreign flight checks.