An Omani co-pilot allegedly attempted to take control of a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv passenger flight and crash the aircraft in what he described to investigators as an act of revenge for the situation in Gaza, according to Israeli media reports.
The suspect, identified as Hamam al-Hamami, remains in custody in the United Arab Emirates and has reportedly told investigators that he planned to seize control of the aircraft after incapacitating the captain.
According to the reports, al-Hamami intended to keep the flight on its scheduled route and obtain the required landing clearances before deliberately crashing the aircraft into an airport facility or another plane parked at the airport. Investigators reportedly learned that he waited until the aircraft crossed into Jordanian airspace before launching his attempt to take control of the cockpit.
During the flight, the co-pilot allegedly attacked the crew, including the Indian captain, and injured him. Despite the assault, the captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene.
A group of passengers reportedly restrained al-Hamami while another passenger helped keep the aircraft stable. Two off-duty pilots who were travelling on the flight later assisted in taking control of the aircraft and ensuring the safety of those on board.
More than 170 passengers and crew members were reportedly aboard the flight, with most of the passengers identified as Israeli citizens. The incident triggered a serious security response because of the alleged attempt to take control of a commercial aircraft and deliberately crash it.
Israeli media quoted investigators as saying that al-Hamami cited the Gaza conflict as his motive. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also claimed that the suspect had been influenced by extremist ideology and had attempted to destroy the aircraft.
Authorities in the UAE are continuing to investigate the incident, including the suspect’s background, alleged motives and the circumstances surrounding the cockpit attack.
