From Nationalpost · · 1m 10s
Flydubai suspect's attack details emerge
Omani suspect tried to hijack Dubai-Tel Aviv flight with crash axe.
In brief
Omani suspect tried to hijack Dubai-Tel Aviv flight with crash axe. Omani national Hamam al-Hammami stabbed Flydubai captain during flight to Israel, but pilot saved 174 passengers. Originally reported by Nationalpost.
Suspect identified
Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, 29, was identified as the suspect in an attempted hijacking on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Target and plan
Al-Hammami intended to kill the captain, get cleared for landing, then crash into a building or jet at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv.
Attack details
Al-Hammami used a crash axe already on the plane to stab captain Smit Machchhar, who was seriously injured in the Sept. 30 attack on flight FZ 1073.
Pilot's actions
Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to rescue him and redirect the aircraft to save 174 passengers.
Pilot's account
Machchhar said Al-Hammami asked to pray before striking him, then delivered multiple blows to the back of the head.
Consequence
The attack was prevented, saving 174 passengers from a potential crash at Ben Gurion Airport.
The one thing
Omani national Hamam al-Hammami stabbed Flydubai captain during flight to Israel, but pilot saved 174 passengers.
