UAE probe reveals Flydubai co-pilot planned Tel Aviv crash, inspired by 9/11
The Omani co-pilot accused of attacking a Flydubai captain during a flight to Tel Aviv had intended to crash the aircraft at the Israeli airport, according to findings released by the United Arab Emirates' top prosecutor. Investigators said the suspect was motivated by Al-Qaeda's September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States and sought to cause the maximum possible loss of life.
The findings, reported by UAE state media on Friday, shed light on the alleged motive behind the incident last month, when the co-pilot attacked the Indian captain in the cockpit, forcing the flight to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
The suspect, identified in media reports as Hamam al-Hammami, is in custody in the UAE.
Suspect allegedly planned attack over three Tel Aviv flights
According to the prosecutor, the co-pilot had travelled to Tel Aviv twice before the incident, using those flights to prepare for the alleged attack. The flight from Dubai on which the assault took place was his third trip to the Israeli city.
The prosecutor said the suspect had become radicalised while studying in Australia, where he allegedly encountered extremist literature and online material praising terrorist organisations and suicide attacks.
Last week, Emirati investigators disclosed that the co-pilot had allegedly been planning a terrorist attack and used the cockpit's emergency axe to assault the captain. They had not then detailed the motive behind the alleged plot.
Security checks found no warning signs, UAE says
The UAE prosecutor said the suspect had met the formal requirements for employment as a pilot, including possessing a pilot's licence, submitting a certificate of good conduct and completing the required security checks.
However, the screening process did not identify signs of extremist beliefs or an intention to carry out a terrorist attack, according to the findings.
The co-pilot had previously worked for Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc, the prosecutor said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier questioned how the suspect was able to operate a flight to Israel despite restrictions affecting individuals from countries that do not recognise the country. Netanyahu also said last week that the suspect had undergone what he described as Islamist radical indoctrination.
Passengers overpowered attacker as aircraft plunged
During the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Indian captain Smit Machchhar. The captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene and overpower the attacker.
Passengers reportedly rushed towards the cockpit as the aircraft suddenly lost around 5,000 metres in altitude. An off-duty pilot travelling on board subsequently took control of the aircraft and landed it safely in Saudi Arabia.
Most of the passengers were Israeli. Netanyahu praised their actions and those of the flight crew following the incident.
In response, the Israeli prime minister ordered a comprehensive review of security arrangements for foreign civil aviation operating flights to Israel.
With AFP inputs