Stories
Flydubai Co-Pilot Wanted Revenge For Gaza By Crashing Plane
- •An Omani co-pilot named al-Hammami allegedly planned to crash a Flydubai flight at Ben Gurion Airport as revenge for Gaza.
- •Investigators revealed that a US military base in Jordan served as a backup plan if reaching Israel failed.
- •The co-pilot attacked Indian captain Smit Machchhar mid-flight, causing the aircraft to plummet 17,000 feet before an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
- •Authorities found no direct links to a terrorist organization, though investigations continue into his travels and background in Australia.
- •Passengers intervened to subdue the attacker, and Flydubai subsequently suspended all flights between the UAE and Israel.
Key Questions Answered
Investigators revealed that the Omani co-pilot, identified as al-Hammami, intended to crash the aircraft at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport as revenge for Israel's actions in Gaza. His plan B was to target a US military facility in Jordan if reaching Israel failed.
Captain Smit Machchhar managed to regain access to the cockpit despite his injuries and a rapid descent where the plane lost about 17,000 feet in a minute. Passengers also intervened to subdue the attacker after the sharp plunge before the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
At present, investigators have found no evidence that the suspect was operating under the direction of a terrorist organization or foreign government, assessing that he acted alone. However, authorities in several countries, including Australia where he previously held a student visa, are examining his background and travels.
