Omani co-pilot Hamam Al Hammami allegedly told investigators that he had planned an attack on a Flydubai flight before joining the airline, according to media reports. The reported claims have emerged during an investigation into the cockpit incident involving a Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai aircraft.
According to the reports, Al Hammami allegedly chose an airline that operated flights to Tel Aviv as part of his plan. He reportedly visited Israel several times while working as a Flydubai pilot and is said to have used a June visit to Ben Gurion Airport to gather information.
The reports further claim that the co-pilot initially planned to carry out the attack in July. However, he allegedly abandoned that attempt after developing a friendship with a crew member.
Investigators are also reportedly examining claims that Al Hammami planned to attack Captain Smit Machchhar inside the locked cockpit. According to the reported confession, he allegedly intended to keep the aircraft flying towards Israel so that it would appear to be a normal flight.
The reported plan allegedly involved crashing the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport at the last moment. Other possible targets mentioned in the reports included a building or another aircraft.
The reports also claim that Al Hammami had a backup plan if the aircraft could not reach Israel. He allegedly planned to crash the aircraft into a US military base in Jordan.
The claims come after a serious cockpit confrontation on a Flydubai flight travelling towards Tel Aviv. Captain Smit Machchhar was credited with helping prevent a possible disaster and ensuring the aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
However, the reported confession has not been independently verified, and authorities have not publicly confirmed all the details attributed to the interrogation. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
The case has raised serious questions about cockpit security, airline recruitment and the screening of aviation personnel. Investigators are expected to examine the co-pilot’s background, travel history and alleged preparations as they work to establish the full circumstances behind the incident.