…suspect may face death penalty
By Gregory Tav
Prosecutors in the United Arab Emirates have confirmed that the mid-air attack involving a FlyDubai co-pilot was an attempted terrorist attack, as investigations deepen into the motives and background of the suspect.
The suspect, identified as Hamam Al Hammami, is now facing prosecution under the UAE’s anti-terrorism laws, with reports indicating he could face the death penalty if convicted.
According to UAE authorities, the incident, which initially raised alarm over aviation safety, is now being treated as a deliberate act of terrorism after preliminary investigations established that the co-pilot allegedly attempted to seize control of the aircraft.
Sources close to the investigation said the alleged plan may have been to hijack the aircraft and crash it into Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport, in what would have been a mass-casualty attack.
The flight, which had more than 170 people on board, was saved by the swift intervention of the captain, who is now being hailed as a hero for preventing what could have been one of the deadliest aviation terror incidents in recent years.
UAE prosecutors disclosed that investigators are now digging into possible foreign ties of the suspect, his extremist views and how he was hired by the airline despite reportedly being banned from flying in Oman.
Reports from aviation sources indicated that Hamam Al Hammami had previously been banned from flying in Oman, raising serious questions about how he passed recruitment screening and secured employment with FlyDubai, one of the region’s major low-cost carriers.
Security agencies are reportedly examining his travel history, communication records and ideological affiliations to determine whether he acted alone or was part of a larger network with external sponsorship.
The UAE, which has strict aviation security regulations, said it has launched a comprehensive review of airline recruitment protocols in the wake of the incident, while assuring the international community that its airspace and airlines remain safe.
FlyDubai has not yet issued a detailed statement on the recruitment process of the co-pilot, but sources say the airline is cooperating fully with prosecutors and has handed over all employment and training records of the suspect.
Under the UAE’s Federal Decree Law on Combating Terrorism Offences, attempted hijacking and acts intended to endanger an aircraft carrying passengers are classified as serious terrorist offences punishable by life imprisonment or death.
The case has drawn international attention, with Israeli authorities reportedly monitoring developments given that Ben-Gurion Airport was allegedly the intended target.
Meanwhile, tributes have continued to pour in for the captain, whose quick thinking and courage ensured that all 170 passengers and crew members on board landed safely.
Investigations are ongoing, and prosecutors say more details will be made public as the case progresses.
