Stories
Israel was ready to shoot down Flydubai flight after cockpit attack
- •An Omani pilot attacked Indian captain Smeet Machhar with an axe inside the cockpit of a Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight.
- •Israeli authorities were prepared to shoot down the aircraft carrying 150 Israeli passengers after losing communication.
- •Fighter jets were scrambled, but recalled after the plane turned toward Saudi Arabia and crew subdued the co-pilot.
- •The co-pilot had reportedly planned the attack months in advance by researching airlines operating to Israel.
Key Questions Answered
Israel was prepared to shoot down the Flydubai flight following a cockpit attack with an axe on Indian captain Smeet Machhar by an Omani co-pilot on September 30. Because the plane descended 14,000 feet and maintained radio silence while approaching, authorities considered downing it to prevent a potential 9/11-style attack on high-value targets.
Under Israeli policy regarding out-of-control aircraft, the authority to make the decision to shoot down a plane lies solely with the Prime Minister. During the Flydubai incident, a committee would have contacted both the Prime Minister and Defense Minister if hijacking and radio silence were confirmed.
Omani co-pilot Hamam Al-Hammami specifically chose Flydubai because it operated flights to Tel Aviv, having planned the mission even before getting hired. Investigators reported that he had collected information on airlines operating flights to Israel and even visited the country months prior to the attack.
