Flydubai terror probe: Co-pilot planned to crash into Ben Gurion or Tel Aviv skyscraper; UAE hands over passenger manifest

The investigation into the attempted mass-casualty attack aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 has uncovered specific targets intended by the perpetrator. The suspect, identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, reportedly confessed to planning a 9/11-style strike against either the passenger terminal at Ben Gurion Airport or a prominent skyscraper in Tel Aviv.

Tactical Planning and Targets

According to reports from Amit Segal and other Israeli outlets, al-Hammami deliberately waited until the aircraft entered Jordanian airspace, near the Israeli border, to launch his attack. This timing was intended to minimize the window for the Israeli Air Force to intercept the plane before it could reach its target. The suspect, who had previously flown to Israel on several occasions, reportedly planned to maintain the appearance of a routine landing until the final seconds of the flight. The disaster was only averted when the captain and passengers managed to subdue him, leading to an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

International Cooperation and Scope

In a significant development in regional security cooperation, the United Arab Emirates has handed over the complete manifest of passengers and crew members to Israeli security agencies. This move underscores the shared interest in civil aviation safety established under the Abraham Accords framework. Simultaneously, the probe has expanded to Australia, where al-Hammami studied for two years. Investigators are examining whether his radicalization occurred during his time there, as they seek to confirm the current assessment that he operated without direct organizational instructions.

Security Outlook

While the "lone wolf" theory is currently the leading assessment, Israeli intelligence continues to scrutinize potential links to foreign terror entities. As The Zioneer reported earlier, previous findings noted al-Hammami's digital footprint included links to extremist ideologies. The transfer of the suspect from Saudi custody to the UAE is expected to facilitate further legal and intelligence proceedings. The Zioneer will continue to follow official updates as the investigation clarifies the full extent of the plot.