The co-pilot accused of attacking a Flydubai captain and allegedly attempting to bring down a flight bound for Tel Aviv had reportedly planned a similar act before joining the airline, according to new claims cited by sources familiar with the investigation.
According to reports, the co-pilot told investigators in the United Arab Emirates that he had intended to carry out an attack on a flight to Israel before he was hired by Flydubai.
Sources cited in the investigation also claimed the co-pilot had previously been assigned to another Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv earlier this year and had allegedly considered causing that aircraft to crash, but ultimately decided against doing so.
Previous plans reportedly examined
According to the same sources, the co-pilot had specifically sought employment with an airline operating flights to Israel.
One source claimed he had researched airlines serving Tel Aviv before joining the UAE carrier.
Reports suggest investigators are trying to determine why he allegedly abandoned plans linked to an earlier flight. One source said he may have known one of the passengers on that service.
Attack under investigation
The incident centres on Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai.
The UAE attorney general said the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain using the emergency axe stored in the cockpit, describing the incident as a terrorist attack.
Israeli media reports have identified the co-pilot as Hamam al-Hamami, an Omani national, although UAE authorities and Flydubai have not publicly confirmed his identity.
No charges announced
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have not yet announced formal charges and it remains unclear whether legal representation has been appointed.
The governments of the UAE, Israel and Oman, as well as Flydubai, have not publicly commented on the latest claims.
Israel reviewing airline security
The developments come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for a review of security procedures involving foreign airlines operating flights to Israel.
According to the reports, Netanyahu also said pilots from countries that do not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, including Oman, should not be operating flights to the country.
Questions are reportedly being raised about how the co-pilot came to be assigned to the Tel Aviv-bound flight.
Source: ANA-MPA
