FlyDubai Attacker Allegedly Aimed to Crash Plane Into Ben Gurion Airport

The man suspected of attempting to seize control of a FlyDubai flight bound for Israel intended to crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, according to two senior U.S. officials and an Israeli source familiar with the investigation, ABC News reported.

The suspect, identified as Hamam Al-Hammani, had previously been flagged as a security risk, according to the same officials cited by ABC News reporters Katherine Faulders and Jordana Miller. Al-Hammani was suspended as a trainee copilot at Oman Air in 2024 after he was found in possession of extremist materials, the officials told ABC News.

What happened aboard the flight?

ABC News has not published a full account of how the alleged attack unfolded aboard the Boeing 737 MAX 8, which photographs show preparing for landing at Ben Gurion Airport on September 30, 2026. The outlet's reporting, based on the two U.S. officials and the Israeli source, focuses on the suspect's alleged intent to crash the aircraft into the airport rather than a hijacking for other ends. ABC News describes the story as developing and says further details are expected.

How did Al-Hammani end up flying for FlyDubai?

The disclosure that Al-Hammani was suspended by Oman Air in 2024 over extremist materials raises questions about the hiring and vetting practices that allowed him to later work in a position connected to the FlyDubai flight, according to ABC News. The network's sourcing does not specify what role Al-Hammani held on the flight or how FlyDubai's screening process differed from Oman Air's internal review two years earlier.

What has FlyDubai said?

The ABC News story, as supplied, does not include a statement from FlyDubai, Oman Air, or Israeli aviation authorities responding to the officials' account. No airline or government statement addressing the crash allegation is included in the available reporting.

What to watch

• Whether FlyDubai or Oman Air issue public statements addressing Al-Hammani's 2024 suspension and his subsequent employment status.
• Whether Israeli or U.S. authorities release additional details on how the alleged plot was detected and stopped before the aircraft reached Ben Gurion Airport.
• Whether aviation regulators in the UAE or Oman announce changes to pilot screening procedures following the incident.
• Further ABC News updates, since the outlet has labeled the story a developing investigation.

The account rests on two senior U.S. officials and one Israeli source speaking to ABC News; none of the three is named in the available reporting, and no on-the-record government statement has been published alongside the officials' claims. Readers should expect the narrative to be refined as named officials or court documents, if any are filed, become available.

This report is based solely on the ABC News story linked above. HTT News has not independently verified the officials' account and will update as corroborating documents or statements emerge.