The Flydubai attempted hijacking: UAE threatens arrested co-pilot with 'extremely severe' punishment

A source close to the ruling circles in the United Arab Emirates has promised to impose a severe penalty on Omani co-pilot Humam Al-Hamami, who is suspected of planning to crash a "FlyDubai" plane at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport, according to the official broadcaster "KAN".

The source said the punishment against the suspect "will not be lenient, but will be extremely severe," as Emirati investigations continue to uncover the details of the plot and determine whether he received assistance from other parties.

Planning for the attack began in 2017

In the third update issued by the UAE Attorney General regarding the case, additional details were revealed about the investigation of the co-pilot, who reportedly stated, according to the update, that he began planning the operation in 2017, when he was residing in Australia.

According to the statement, the suspect was planning to crash the plane into the passenger terminal at Ben Gurion Airport, in an attack described by the investigation as inspired by the September 11 attacks.

The update added that the suspect exploited his work during two trips to Israel to gather intelligence in preparation for carrying out the plan, including details about the route of the trip and the potential target.

Investigators are looking for potential accomplices

An unofficial Emirati source familiar with the leadership’s thinking said that releasing successive updates on the investigations is intended to underscore the transparency of the UAE authorities and highlight the country’s commitment to the rule of law and to holding those responsible for crimes accountable.

According to the information reported by "KAN," the co-pilot claimed during the investigation that he acted alone and without assistance, while authorities are continuing to examine the possibility of him having accomplices or helpers.

In the same context, the Emirati side, according to the report, acknowledged a failure to detect signs of religious and ideological extremism in the suspect, noting that he had met the professional and security standards adopted by Flydubai, the company he worked for.