Emirates co-pilot allegedly planned Tel Aviv crash in 9/11-style plot, report

TEL AVIV: An investigation into a dramatic incident aboard an Emirates flight has reportedly uncovered an alleged plan by the co-pilot to seize control of the aircraft and crash it into a high-rise building in Tel Aviv in an attack resembling the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

According to reports, 29-year-old Omani national Hammam Al-Hammadi allegedly attacked the Indian captain, identified as Smit, in the cockpit during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.

Investigators reportedly believe the co-pilot had planned to kill the captain, take control of the aircraft and ultimately crash it into a building or another aircraft near Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport.

Israeli media reports said the suspect allegedly intended to wait until the aircraft entered Jordanian airspace before attempting to take control. The reported plan was apparently designed to delay detection and give him enough time to carry out the alleged attack.

The investigation has also reportedly found that the co-pilot had considered carrying out a similar attack in July but abandoned the idea at the last moment after developing a friendship with another crew member.

The September 30 incident became critical when Al-Hammadi allegedly attacked the captain with an axe inside the cockpit. During the struggle, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 rapidly descended from approximately 36,000 feet to 17,000 feet in around two minutes, placing significant stress on the aircraft.

There were 174 passengers aboard the flight at the time.

Despite being injured, the captain reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to enter and restrain the co-pilot. Two off-duty pilots who were among those aboard subsequently took control of the aircraft.

The plane was eventually diverted and landed safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia, after which passengers were transported onward to Ben Gurion Airport.

The alleged plot has drawn comparisons with the September 11 attacks in the United States, when 19 al-Qaeda-trained hijackers seized four passenger aircraft. Three of the planes were deliberately crashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, killing nearly 3,000 people.

The latest investigation has raised fresh questions about cockpit security, crew screening and procedures designed to prevent an individual crew member from taking control of a commercial aircraft.

Authorities have yet to publicly release all details of the investigation, and several of the reported allegations remain subject to further verification and legal proceedings.