A co-pilot on a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv allegedly attempted to hijack the aircraft, according to the UAE attorney-general. The incident occurred mid-flight, with the co-pilot reportedly attacking the captain with a crash axe and trying to take control of the flight. The UAE authorities confirmed the investigation into the alleged terrorist act.
Passengers on board reportedly intervened to subdue the co-pilot, helping to regain control of the aircraft. The pilot who took over during the crisis was from South Africa, according to news reports. The co-pilot, identified as Hamam al Hammami, was detained after the incident.
Australian authorities are investigating the co-pilot’s links to the country, following reports that he may have had connections to extremist groups. The co-pilot was previously linked to online rants calling for violence against women and was associated with Al Qaeda.
The UAE shared details about the flight with Israel, including the names and nationalities of the pilots, before the incident. This raised questions about how the attacker was able to board the plane without detection.
The incident has sparked renewed concerns about aviation security, particularly regarding the vetting of crew members. The co-pilot’s actions have also prompted calls for stricter background checks and monitoring of individuals with extremist ties.
The UAE and Israel have maintained close ties, especially in the context of security and counterterrorism efforts. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of preventing such attacks, even with advanced screening systems. The co-pilot’s motives and potential affiliations remain under investigation.
