New Delhi: New shocking details from the investigation have revealed that flydubai copilot Hamam al-Hammami had allegedly planned an attack as early as July but called it off at the last moment because a friend was among the crew members on the flight. He reportedly decided to “spare” him and wait for another opportunity.
By June, al-Hammami had allegedly begun preparing for the attack in earnest. He had already landed at Ben Gurion Airport several times while flying for flydubai and reportedly used a June visit to gather information, with media reports saying he was preparing himself to become a “martyr” Ynet reported.
The plan he allegedly carried out in September was more specific. Investigators believe he wanted to reach Israel normally, then crash the aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport and cause mass casualties.
According to Israeli media the Times of Israel, citing Channel 12 and Channel 13, al-Hammami allegedly planned to first attack Machchhar and keep the flight operating normally. He would then obtain the necessary landing clearance before crashing the aircraft into a building or another plane at the airport.
Investigators believe this was also why he waited until the aircraft was over Jordan before making his move. If he could not reach Ben Gurion, reports say he had allegedly considered crashing the aircraft into a US military base in Jordan instead.
Channel 13 reported that al-Hammami had specifically searched for an airline that flew to Tel Aviv before joining flydubai. He allegedly told investigators that he chose the airline for its Israel route and had planned the operation even before he was hired.
The alleged plan began to unfold when al-Hammami attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit. The captain has said the copilot first asked to pray and then, minutes later, struck him from behind with a heavy blow.
Machchhar initially thought the aircraft itself had been hit. He soon realized that al-Hammami was attacking him and trying to take control of the aircraft, according to the captain’s account.
Despite being badly injured and struggling to see, Machchhar fought back and managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers then rushed inside and restrained al-Hammami.
The aircraft had already entered a steep and dangerous descent during the struggle. After the passengers and pilots regained control, the flight was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia and landed safely.
The revelations have also raised questions about how al-Hammami was allowed to operate a passenger flight to Israel. Reports have said he had previously been removed from flying duties by Oman Air after concerns over extremist material, while Israeli and other authorities are now examining his background and the checks carried out before he joined flydubai.
Israeli investigators have not directly questioned al-Hammami so far. According to media reports, the information about his alleged plans came through the Saudi and Emirati investigations, while Israel has asked the UAE to question other members of the crew as well.