Investigators believe Hamam al-Hammami, the co-pilot who attempted to take control of flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, originally planned the attack for July but postponed it, according to The Guardian.
Key facts
- The co-pilot is named as Hamam al-Hammami, 29.
- The incident occurred on last Wednesday's flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
- Investigators believe the attack was originally planned for July but postponed.
- Officials suggest the postponement may have been because a friend was among the crew.
- Experts believe al-Hammami may have sought employment with an airline flying to Israel to carry out the attack.
Police and security agencies in multiple countries are working to piece together the background and intentions of Hamam al-Hammami, the co-pilot who attempted to take control of a plane flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv last week, according to The Guardian.
Investigators believe that al-Hammami, 29, originally planned his attack for July but postponed the hijacking, regional and Israeli officials have said. One possible reason for the delay, according to those officials, was that a friend was among the crew at the time.
The incident took place on last Wednesday’s flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Experts cited by The Guardian believe the evidence of prior planning suggests al-Hammami may have specifically sought employment with an airline that flew to Israel in order to carry out the attack.
Why it matters
The case raises serious questions about aviation security and the vetting of flight crew on international routes. If investigators confirm the attack was planned in advance, it could prompt airlines and regulators to review hiring and screening practices for staff on sensitive routes.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the co-pilot involved in the flydubai incident?
Investigators have named him as Hamam al-Hammami, 29, the co-pilot who tried to take control of the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight, according to The Guardian.
When do investigators believe the attack was originally planned?
Regional and Israeli officials told The Guardian that the attack was originally planned for July but was postponed, possibly because a friend was among the crew.
Which flight was targeted?
The attempt took place on last Wednesday's flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, according to The Guardian.