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According to reports in Israeli media, the terrorist told investigators in the United Arab Emirates that he had planned to carry out the attack as early as July, but abandoned the plan at the last moment because he had a personal connection with one of the crew members. He decided to wait for another opportunity.

Investigators found that al-Hammami had repeatedly flown to Israel in the months leading up to the attempted attack, using those visits to gather intelligence and prepare his plan. According to the reports, he intended to continue the flight toward Ben Gurion Airport as though it were making a routine landing, before taking control of the aircraft and deliberately crashing it at the airport.

The plan was thwarted on September 30, when al-Hammami attacked the captain aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Despite being seriously injured, Captain Smit Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene. Other pilots aboard the aircraft eventually took control, and the plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All passengers survived.

Serious Questions Over Aviation Security:

The incident has also raised serious questions about the security procedures governing foreign airline crews operating flights to Israel.

Israeli officials and media reports have pointed to potential gaps in the screening and vetting of foreign pilots, as well as disagreements among security and aviation authorities over who was responsible for conducting background checks.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a comprehensive review of security procedures for foreign flights arriving in Israel.

The case has brought renewed attention to the challenge of assessing the backgrounds of foreign airline personnel who regularly enter Israeli airspace and land at Ben Gurion Airport. Reports indicate that the suspect had previously been removed from flying duties at Oman Air amid concerns about his extremist views, raising further questions about how he was later employed by Flydubai and assigned to a flight to Israel.

The investigation is ongoing, and the full extent of the security failures—and what could have prevented the attack—has yet to be established.

The frightening details of the plot, together with the reports of gaps in aviation security, have underscored the tremendous miracle that the aircraft and its passengers were spared from catastrophe.

While every effort must be made to strengthen security procedures and protect human life through the appropriate measures, the episode is also a powerful reminder that the ultimate protection of the Jewish people rests with Hashem.

As the possuk in Tehillim states: “Behold, the Guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps.”

Whether a fighter jet is sent to intercept an enemy aircraft, a naval vessel sets out to sea, or soldiers go into battle to defend the Jewish people, the success of every effort and the protection of those who serve comes from Hashem.

At times, that protection is concealed within the natural order—through advanced aircraft, naval vessels, tanks and defensive systems. At other times, Hashem allows the veil to be lifted, giving us a glimpse of the Divine protection that accompanies us constantly.

The attempted attack on the Flydubai flight is a stark reminder of that truth. As the investigation continues and authorities work to close the security gaps, the words of Tehillim remain as relevant as ever: “If Hashem does not guard a city, the watchman stands guard in vain.”

“Hodu LaHashem Ki Tov, Ki Le’olam Chasdo” – Give thanks to Hashem, for He is good, for His kindness endures forever.

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