Alleged Flydubai hijacker said 9/11 attacks spurred him to become a pilot, early investigation finds

Alleged Flydubai Hijacker Said 9 11 Inspired Pilot Career

Healfromzero.com – The alleged Flydubai hijacker said 9 11 attacks influenced his decision to become a pilot, according to preliminary findings released by authorities in the United Arab Emirates. Investigators allege that the Flydubai co-pilot planned to seize control of a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight and crash it into Ben Gurion Airport.

Emirati Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said Hamam al-Hammami, 29, was accused of preparing an attack with a terrorist purpose. The September 30 incident ended after the captain and several passengers restrained him and regained control of the aircraft.

Authorities said the alleged target was the passenger terminal at Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s principal international airport near Tel Aviv. Investigators believe the suspected plan was intended to cause mass casualties through a suicide attack using the passenger plane.

Investigators Examine Alleged Motive

The alleged Flydubai hijacker said 9 11 attacks shaped his thinking, the attorney general’s statement said. The September 11, 2001 attacks killed nearly 3,000 people after four commercial aircraft were hijacked and crashed at three locations in the United States.

“The idea of carrying out a similar operation using an aircraft became firmly established in his mind.”

Authorities said he had previously flown to Ben Gurion Airport twice before the September 30 incident. Investigators are examining whether those earlier trips were intended to help him become familiar with the route and the airport environment.

Claims of Radicalization and Preparation

Preliminary findings allege that al-Hammami began adopting extremist and terrorist ideology while studying in Australia in 2017. Investigators cited exposure to extremist publications and online content that praised terrorist groups and suicide attacks.

The inquiry also found that he allegedly prepared psychologically and physically for the plot. Officials said this included consuming material that encouraged terrorism and taking boxing lessons with a private coach.

Authorities said he “prepared himself psychologically and physically to carry out his plot.”

Al-Hammami told investigators that he acted alone, but officials said their inquiry remains ongoing. Authorities are reviewing evidence, recordings, technical reports and the possibility that other people may have known about or participated in the alleged plan.

Airline Employment and Screening Under Review

Before joining Flydubai in January 2026, al-Hammami worked for Oman Air from 2020 to 2024 and spent several months in a pre-employment process with Royal Air Maroc in 2025. A person familiar with the matter previously said Oman Air removed him from flight training because of concerns about radical views and moved him to another role.

Royal Air Maroc said he completed three months of training in 2025 but was not selected for a position. Emirati authorities said their preliminary review found that he met Flydubai’s professional and security requirements, including holding a pilot’s license, a certificate of good conduct and completing required examinations.

The attorney general said the hiring process revealed no apparent warning signs of extremist beliefs or plans for a terrorist act. The alleged Flydubai hijacker said 9 11 was an inspiration, investigators found, raising renewed questions about how aviation employers assess potential risks among flight crew.

FAQ for Travelers on Dubai-to-Tel Aviv Flights

Was the aircraft safely brought under control?

Yes. Authorities said the captain and several passengers restrained the suspect, allowing the aircraft to be brought back under control.

Is the investigation finished?

No. Emirati authorities said the investigation is continuing, including a review of cockpit and cabin events, technical evidence, the suspect’s stated motive and whether anyone else was involved.

What security measures are being reviewed?

The case centers on screening, licensing, background checks, training records and professional assessments for flight crew. Authorities said the suspect had met the required employment and security checks at the time he was hired.