Alleged Flydubai hijacker said 9/11 attacks spurred him to become a pilot, early investigation finds

Flydubai Co-Pilot Allegedly Planned Suicide Attack at Ben Gurion Airport

Activelifezero.com – A preliminary UAE investigation says a Flydubai co-pilot accused of attempting to seize control of a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight had allegedly intended to crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main international gateway.

The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Hamam al-Hammami, was restrained after the captain and several passengers intervened during the September 30 flight. The incident prevented what investigators describe as a planned terrorist attack designed to inflict mass casualties at the airport’s passenger terminal near Tel Aviv.

Investigators Examine Alleged Plan

UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the early findings point to a deliberate effort to take over the aircraft and use it in a suicide attack. Emirati state media shared the attorney general’s statement Friday.

“The idea of carrying out a similar operation using an aircraft became firmly established in his mind, which, according to his confessions, was connected to his decision to pursue a career in aviation.”

The investigation says al-Hammami had been influenced by the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States, when four commercial airliners were hijacked and nearly 3,000 people were killed. The attacks, carried out 25 years ago, involved planes being crashed into three separate locations.

Authorities say the suspect allegedly sought to replicate that type of attack by directing the Flydubai plane toward the terminal at Ben Gurion Airport. The stated aim was to cause the highest possible number of casualties.

Prior Flights Under Scrutiny

The September 30 journey was reportedly not al-Hammami’s first flight to Tel Aviv. Investigators found that he had previously flown to Ben Gurion Airport twice, allegedly using those trips to familiarize himself with the route and airport environment before the attempted attack.

Israeli officials had previously indicated that the airport itself appeared to have been the likely target. Ben Gurion is Israel’s principal international airport and serves as a major entry and departure point for travelers.

The alleged plot also raises questions about the safeguards surrounding commercial aviation, including the screening of pilots and the ability of crews and passengers to respond quickly during an in-flight emergency. In this case, the captain’s actions and the intervention of passengers were cited as key factors in regaining control of the aircraft.

Claims of Radicalization

Investigators say al-Hammami began moving toward extremist and terrorist beliefs in 2017 while studying in Australia. The inquiry found that he had consumed extremist publications and online material glorifying terrorist organizations and suicide attacks.

The attorney general’s statement said he had allegedly prepared both mentally and physically for the planned assault. That preparation included increased exposure to terrorist-inciting material and boxing training with a private coach.

The investigation remains focused on whether the suspect’s account that he acted alone can be substantiated. Authorities are reviewing recordings, technical reports and other evidence while examining whether anyone else could have had a role in the alleged plot.

Employment History and Recruitment Review

Al-Hammami worked for Oman Air between 2020 and 2024, then joined Royal Air Maroc in 2025. He spent several months with the Moroccan carrier before moving to Flydubai in January 2026.

A source had earlier said that Oman Air removed him from flight training over concerns related to radical views, assigning him to a different position at the airline. Royal Air Maroc said last week that he trained with the company for three months in 2025 during a pre-employment process but was not chosen for a job.

UAE investigators also reviewed how Flydubai recruited al-Hammami. The preliminary findings state that he met the professional and security requirements required for employment. He held a pilot’s license, had a certificate of good conduct and completed the relevant examinations.

Investigators found no warning signs during those procedures that revealed extremist beliefs or an intention to carry out a terrorist attack, Al Shamsi said through Emirati state media.

Investigation Continues

The case remains under active investigation as authorities assess the available evidence and seek to establish the full scope of the alleged plan. A central issue is whether al-Hammami had outside support, despite his claim that he acted independently.

The incident highlights the continuing security challenge posed by individuals who may pass standard professional and background checks while concealing extremist intentions. Aviation security relies on multiple layers of protection, from recruitment screening and cockpit procedures to the judgment of flight crews and the response of people on board.

For passengers, the case is also a reminder that emergencies in aviation can develop rapidly and that coordinated action by crew members, authorities and travelers can be crucial in preventing a potentially catastrophic outcome.