Published : 05 Oct 2026, 11:45 AM
Updated : 05 Oct 2026, 11:44 AM
The Fiydubai co-pilot who tried to take control of a flight to Tel Aviv reportedly planned to crash the aircraft into Israel's Ben Gurion Airport after killing the captain, according to Israeli media reports citing investigators.
Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani first officer who is under arrest in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), reportedly told investigators that he intended to continue flying Fiydubai Flight 1073 as normal after killing Captain Smit Machchhar, obtain the necessary landing clearances without raising suspicion and then crash the plane into a building or aircraft at the airport in a 9/11-style attack, Ynet reported.
Quoting sources, Ynet said al-Hammami told investigators that he attacked Machchhar over Jordan as the aircraft was approaching Israel, NDTV reports.
Al-Hammami reportedly believed that waiting until the last moment would prevent anyone from realising what was happening in time to alert authorities or stop him.
He also reportedly said that if he failed to reach the airport, he would crash the aircraft into a skyscraper in Tel Aviv or one of the US military bases in Jordan.
The plan was thwarted after Machchhar, an Indian pilot, fought back despite his injuries, sent distress signals and opened the cockpit door, according to the report.
The crew and passengers then restrained the co-pilot and regained control of the aircraft. Two off-duty pilots subsequently flew the plane to safety, landing in Saudi Arabia.
Last week, Machchhar, who is receiving treatment at a hospital in Abu Dhabi, told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that al-Hammami had asked to pray minutes before attacking him with a crash axe and striking him on the head.
The reported investigation into al-Hammami's motives and plans is continuing in the UAE.
