New details emerging from the investigation into the attempted hijacking of an Israel-bound Flydubai flight indicate that the co-pilot admitted he intended to crash the aircraft into a target in Israel.

According to Israel Hayom, sources familiar with the investigation said Omani co-pilot Hamam Al-Hamami has been cooperating with investigators and admitted that his objective was to bring down the aircraft in Israel.

Investigators have also uncovered evidence indicating that Al-Hamami underwent a process of Islamist radicalization, including during periods he spent in Syria, and had posted extremist material online.

Authorities are now investigating whether Al-Hamami acted alone or had connections to a terrorist organization or foreign actor, with particular attention being given to a possible Iranian connection.

Investigators are reportedly examining whether Al-Hamami may have come into contact with individuals connected to Iran during his time in Syria. At this stage, however, no evidence has been made public establishing that Iran directed the attempted attack.

Additional details about Al-Hamami’s past have also raised serious questions over how he was permitted to fly commercially. According to reports, Oman Air barred him from flying in 2024 after extremist material was discovered and concerns arose over his ideological views.

Despite those concerns, Al-Hamami later joined Flydubai and had been working for the airline for approximately eight months before Wednesday’s attack.

During the flight, Al-Hamami attacked the Indian captain and attempted to seize control of the aircraft. Israeli passengers ultimately helped subdue him after gaining access to the cockpit, preventing what authorities believe could have been a mass-casualty terror attack.

Al-Hamami was subsequently transferred from Saudi Arabia to the United Arab Emirates, where the investigation is continuing.

(YWN’s Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis ha’Shabbos in Israel)