According to new reports, the FlyDubai co-pilot accused of attacking his captain on an Israel-bound passenger jet had planned to crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport.
Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 reported that Hamam al-Hammami told investigators he intended to continue FlyDubai Flight FZ1073 toward Israel as though nothing was wrong, obtain the necessary clearances to approach Ben Gurion Airport, and then crash the aircraft into a building or another plane at the airport.
The information reportedly came from investigations by Saudi and Emirati authorities. Israeli investigators have not questioned al-Hammami directly, according to reporting from Channel 12 and Ynet.
FlyDubai Co-Pilot Accused of Cockpit Attack Was Grounded by Oman Air Before Joining Airline: Report
Israeli passenger Haim Lazarovich, who experienced an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia during a FlyDubai flight, arrives at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel, on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
Fox News Digital reached out to the UAE Public Prosecution and FlyDubai for comment.
Reuters separately reported Monday that a source briefed on the UAE investigation said the Omani co-pilot had planned to crash the flight into Ben Gurion Airport. Two Israeli officials with knowledge of the investigation also told Reuters that al-Hammami said during questioning that he had planned the attack before he was hired by FlyDubai.
Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot allegedly attacked on a FlyDubai plane heading to Israel on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. (Israel Foreign Ministry)
The latest details follow last week’s dramatic incident aboard Flight FZ1073, which was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain inside the cockpit.
Netanyahu Praises Heroic Bystander in Bloody Cockpit Attack for Preventing ‘Another 9/11’
UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said investigators determined that the co-pilot attempted to carry out a terrorist act by attacking the captain with a crash axe and attempting to take control of the aircraft.
A FlyDubai aircraft carrying Israelis who experienced an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia is seen parked at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel, on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. (Ariel Schalit/AP)
Passengers and others aboard the flight ultimately intervened, and the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Al Shamsi has said the UAE investigation remains underway to determine the full circumstances and motives behind the attack, as well as any potential links to others.
The UAE Public Prosecution has said the final results of the investigation will be announced after the necessary investigative procedures are completed.
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