United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities say a Flydubai co-pilot planned to crash a passenger aircraft at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport. Prosecutors allege the September 30 incident involved a plot inspired by the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States.

UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi shared the findings on Friday through state news agency WAM. Investigators said the 29-year-old suspect had taken two previous flights to Tel Aviv to familiarize himself with the route and airport.

The suspect had worked for several airlines, including Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc, before joining Flydubai in January. Investigators found that he had met the airline’s professional and security requirements. However, recruitment checks did not identify signs of extremist views or plans for an attack.

According to prosecutors, the suspect said he prepared for the alleged attack by viewing material promoting terrorism and taking boxing lessons. Investigators also reported that signs of his alleged movement towards extremism first appeared in 2017, while he studied in Australia. Authorities said he claimed to have acted alone.

The incident occurred aboard Flight FZ1073, which departed Dubai for Tel Aviv on September 30 with 174 people on board. More than two hours into the flight, the aircraft suddenly began a steep descent.

A confrontation reportedly broke out in the cockpit when the co-pilot stabbed the captain, Indian national Smit Machchhar. Passengers and crew members then entered the cockpit area and helped overpower the suspect.

The aircraft descended more than 17,000 feet in approximately two minutes before climbing and descending again. Two reserve pilots traveling on board eventually took control of the aircraft.

The pilots diverted the plane to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely at 9:45 a.m. local time. Saudi authorities later confirmed that both pilots received hospital treatment before transferring to Abu Dhabi after medical clearance.

UAE officials have not publicly identified the suspect. However, Reuters and the Associated Press reported that sources identified him as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national. Investigations into the alleged plot continue.

Short Summary:
UAE prosecutors allege a Flydubai co-pilot planned to crash a passenger plane in Israel. Passengers, crew and reserve pilots helped prevent disaster.

Caption:
UAE prosecutors reveal alleged plot behind Flydubai cockpit attack.

Tags:
UAE, Flydubai, Aviation Security, Israel, Tel Aviv, Saudi Arabia, Terrorism Investigation, Airline News, Aviation Incident, International News

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