UAE says flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Tel Aviv airport

2026-10-10 · Security · United Arab Emirates · Israel

UAE prosecutors said Friday that the co-pilot who tried to seize control of a flydubai passenger jet flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv last week was planning a suicide attack on the passenger terminal at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport. Attorney General Hamad al-Hammami said the suspect, identified as Hammam al-Hammami, admitted he acted alone after preparing psychologically and physically for the attack, which was described as inspired by the September 11 attacks. He intended to crash the plane into the terminal. The incident has raised security concerns for flights between the Gulf and Israel.

Why it matters：The plot, if confirmed, would mark a serious aviation security breach and heighten tensions around Gulf-Israel air links.

Key points

• The suspect was a co-pilot on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight.
• UAE prosecutors said he admitted acting alone.
• The alleged target was Ben Gurion airport's passenger terminal.

Sources (original reporting)

• The Guardian
• Al Jazeera
• France 24
• The Straits Times

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