FlyDubai Co-Pilot Accused in Cockpit Attack Previously Barred from Flying in Oman

The co-pilot accused of attacking the captain on a FlyDubai flight to Israel had previously been prohibited from flying in Oman over concerns about his extremist views. Reports on Friday identified the alleged attacker as Hamam Al Hammami, 29, an Omani national. He had been suspended from flying by Oman Air due to being considered a security risk, according to ABC News.

A source familiar with the investigation revealed that Al Hammami was prohibited from flying in Oman because of concerns over extremist views before being hired by the UAE-based airline. This person spoke anonymously as the investigation into the cockpit attack, which forced the aircraft to divert, is ongoing and has raised questions about aviation security in the Middle East.

Questions About Vetting

Officials are examining how the suspect was allowed to fly for FlyDubai and serve as a first officer on a flight to Israel. During training as a co-pilot for Oman Air in 2024, Al Hammami was allegedly found with extremist materials and was moved to an administrative role. These claims have not been independently verified by Newsweek.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the co-pilot had undergone “Islamist radicalization” but did not provide evidence. “We are now investigating whether he was sent, and whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price,” Netanyahu stated in a video message.

Investigation Continues

The attack occurred on FlyDubai Flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The flight landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after passengers and crew helped restrain the assault on the captain. The captain, Smit Machchhar, who was praised as a hero, and the co-pilot were transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE.

Machchhar is recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital. In a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he described the terror he faced. Reports indicate he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to subdue the attacker. The Boeing 737 with 174 passengers and eight crew members landed safety after passengers fought the co-pilot and bound his hands with headphones.

The suspect was transferred to the UAE and is cooperating with investigators. ABC News reported that the suspect expressed an intention to crash the aircraft in Israel, though this has not been confirmed independently.

Travel Disruptions

The incident disrupted travel between Israel and the UAE. Emirates flights to Israel were canceled, prompting measures to return stranded travelers. Israel and the UAE have approved special flights to transport passengers while regular operations remain suspended. The route symbolizes regional normalization since the 2020 Abraham Accords between the two nations.