UAE says Flydubai co-pilot meant to crash plane into Israeli airport

UAE authorities said the Flydubai co-pilot intended to crash the aircraft into a passenger terminal at an Israeli airport, The Hill reported. The New York Times reported that Emiratis said the attacker meant to crash into an Israeli airport. According to The Hill, the co-pilot attacked the plane's captain with an axe last month and planned to seize control of the 182-passenger aircraft.

The suspect was identified as Hamam al-Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani national, The Hill reported. The New York Times reported that the UAE attorney general said the co-pilot had been inspired by the Sept. 11 attacks after years of developing extreme Islamist views.

The Hill's headline described the target as Tel Aviv airport, while its article text said a passenger terminal at an Israeli airport. The New York Times reported Emiratis said the attacker meant to crash into an Israeli airport.

The Hill published its report on 9 October 2026. The New York Times published its report on 10 October 2026. The Hill said the axe attack took place last month; the reports did not give an exact date.