A Flydubai co-pilot attacked his captain during a September 30 flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, UAE prosecutors said. They said Hamam al-Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani national, planned to crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport’s passenger terminal. Crew members and passengers intervened, and the aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi outlined the preliminary findings on October 9. Investigators are still examining the alleged plot and whether anyone else was involved.

A travelling pilot intervenes

According to the prosecution’s account, a pilot travelling aboard flight FZ1073 noticed the cockpit door repeatedly opening and closing. He was scheduled to operate the return flight and entered the cockpit using its access code.

Inside, he saw the co-pilot attacking the captain with an emergency axe, prosecutors said. The captain had resisted and managed to open the door to seek help. The travelling pilot, a cabin crew member and several passengers then restrained the attacker.

A forensic examination confirmed head injuries consistent with an attack using a tool such as the emergency axe. The aircraft diverted to Tabuk after the intervention.

Prosecutors describe alleged preparation

Al Shamsi said the suspected plan targeted the passenger terminal at Ben Gurion Airport, near Tel Aviv. Its aim was to cause the greatest possible loss of life, according to the prosecution. Investigators said al-Hammami had taken two earlier flights there to learn the route and familiarise himself with the airport.

Prosecutors said the suspect described being inspired by the September 11, 2001 attacks while speaking in his lawyer’s presence. Their account linked his decision to pursue an aviation career to the idea of carrying out a similar attack.

The preliminary findings also placed the first signs of his turn toward extremism in 2017, while he studied in Australia. Investigators cited extremist publications and online material promoting terrorist groups and suicide attacks. They said he later prepared for the alleged plot by consuming more such material and training in boxing with a private coach.

Recruitment checks and continuing inquiries

The UAE account said al-Hammami worked for Oman Air from 2020 to 2024 and joined Flydubai in January 2026. Accounts differ over his time at Royal Air Maroc: UAE prosecutors described employment in 2025, while the airline told the Associated Press he completed three months of pre-employment training but was not selected.

Al Shamsi said Flydubai’s recruitment checks found that the suspect met its professional and security requirements. These included a pilot’s licence, a certificate of good conduct and the required examinations. The checks revealed no indication of extremist views or plans for an attack, he said.

The suspect said he acted alone, but investigators are still checking that account. UAE authorities are reviewing recordings, technical reports and possible links to other people. The Australian Federal Police is also investigating his time in Australia and possible connections to extremism.