Shocking details have emerged regarding the alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flight en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, involving an attack on the captain. According to the Israeli online news portal ‘Mako’, Omani co-pilot Hammam Al-Hammami allegedly told Emirati investigators that he carried out the attack to avenge Gaza. He also stated that he “wanted to die as a martyr.”
According to reports, investigative agencies are now trying to determine whether Hammam Al-Hammami acted alone or if another individual or organization was involved. His phone records, foreign travels, and contacts are being examined as part of the investigation.
Claims of Radical Ideology Influence
This information regarding Hammam Al-Hammami has surfaced amidst earlier reports suggesting he was influenced by radical ideologies. Reports indicate that he was dismissed from Oman’s national airline last year due to his alleged extremist views.
According to a CNN report, videos featuring the cockpits of Israeli aircraft and content related to Al-Qaeda figures were subsequently posted on social media accounts linked to him. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had also previously stated that the co-pilot was believed to be influenced by Islamic radical ideology.
Attack Occurred on Flight on September 30
The incident took place on September 30 aboard flydubai flight 1073. There were over 170 passengers on board, a significant number of whom were reportedly Israeli. Less than an hour before landing in Tel Aviv, the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain. According to flight-tracking data, the aircraft plummeted more than 17,000 feet in just a few seconds during the incident, posing a grave threat to the lives of the passengers on board.
Passengers and off-duty pilots stepped in
According to reports, Captain Smit Machhar confronted the co-pilot’s assault and managed to open the cockpit door. Realizing the gravity of the situation, some passengers intervened and helped subdue the co-pilot.
Off-duty pilots present on the flight also assisted in taking control of the aircraft. Thanks to the prompt action of the crew and passengers, the plane was landed safely, averting a potential major disaster.
Alleged plan to attack in July as well
Israeli media reports also claim that Hammam al-Hammami had considered planning an attack as early as July. However, he reportedly changed his mind at the last moment because he was friends with a crew member.
Investigative agencies are currently probing the matter to determine whether the attack was driven solely by the co-pilot’s personal ideology or if he had received assistance from any other individual or organization.
