Washington (US), 7 Oct. (LaPresse) – The FlyDubai co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash flight 1073 bound for Tel Aviv told investigators that he had searched for airlines and routes that would take him to Israel and had almost carried out an attack last July, before changing his mind. This is reported by the Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the investigation into the incident. Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national residing in Dubai, had been hired by the United Arab Emirates-based low-cost airline in February. Previously, he had been barred from flying by his former employer, Oman Air, due to concerns over his possible extremist ideology. Al-Hammami had also been rejected by Morocco’s national carrier, Royal Air Maroc. The co-pilot then reportedly sought to join an airline operating flights to Israel and asked to be assigned to FlyDubai’s route between Dubai and Tel Aviv, the Journal’s sources reported.
Middle East: WSJ – FlyDubai co-pilot attempted attack on Israel last July
Washington (US), 7 Oct. (LaPresse) – The FlyDubai co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash flight 1073 bound for Tel Aviv told investigators that he had searched for airlines and routes that would take him to Israel and had almost carried out an attack last July, before changing his mind. This is reported by the Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the investigation into the incident. Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national residing in Dubai, had been hired by the United Arab Emirates-based low-cost airline in February. Previously, he had been barred from flying by his former employer, Oman Air, due to concerns over his possible extremist ideology. Al-Hammami had also been rejected by Morocco’s national carrier, Royal Air Maroc. The co-pilot then reportedly sought to join an airline operating flights to Israel and asked to be assigned to FlyDubai’s route between Dubai and Tel Aviv, the Journal’s sources reported.