{
  "id": 12395008,
  "title": "Alleged Flydubai hijacker likely wanted to target Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, sources say",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/alleged-flydubai-hijacker-likely-wanted-to-target-israels-ben-gurion",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-06T14:04:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Egypt Independent",
    "slug": "egypt-independent",
    "url": "https://www.egyptindependent.com/alleged-flydubai-hijacker-likely-wanted-to-target-israels-ben-gurion-airport-sources-say/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "An Israeli official and source familiar with the matter have stated that the alleged Flydubai hijacker, Hamam al-Hammami, likely intended to target Israel's main international airport, Ben Gurion Airport, according to Zionist sources. The suspect, who was the co-pilot on the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was stopped by the captain and passengers who restrained him and took control of the aircraft. Israeli sources note that this investigation is still in its early stages and that the motives behind the hijacking are unclear. Israeli Channel 12 News initially reported that Ben Gurion Airport was the potential target of the hijacking. The reason for al-Hammami's attack on co-pilot Smit Machchhar in Saudi airspace, despite aiming for an Israeli airport, remains unknown. Israeli fighter jets were scrambled upon detecting the potential hijacking on September 30, as per standard procedure. The United Arab Emirates is leading the investigation into the incident to determine the motives and the suspect's ability to bypass security protocols in two countries known for their strict security measures. The suspect's past, including his removal from a pilot position in Oman due to extremist views, is also relevant to the investigation. However, Israeli authorities are not aware of any terrorist links. Israel's Ministry of Transport revealed that it does not check the names of flight crew members, even though they are submitted to the Tax Authority for security purposes. The Ministry added that all crew members must have a valid travel visa for entry into Israel, but a passport from Oman would have been flagged during the check-in process. Experts say that pilot vetting responsibilities typically fall on local governments, airlines, and security services, with different rules for each country.",
  "summary": "The alleged hijacker of the Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv likely wanted to target Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, the country’s main international gateway, according to an Israeli official and an Israeli source familiar with the matter. Hamam al-Hammami, the suspect in the hijacking attempt and co-pilot on board the flight, was stopped by … The post Alleged Flydubai hijacker likely wanted…",
  "key_points": [
    "Alleged Flydubai hijacker Hamam al-Hammami likely targeted Ben Gurion Airport.",
    "Co-pilot stopped by captain and passengers during Dubai to Tel Aviv flight.",
    "Israeli fighter jets scrambled on September 30 for potential hijacking."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Arutz Sheva - Israel National News",
        "title": "Flydubai is considering extending the suspension of its flights to Israel",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/flydubai-is-considering-extending-the-suspension-of-its-flights-to",
        "published": "2026-10-06T13:41:47.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}