The co-pilot involved in an incident on a FlyDubai flight to Israel had previously been banned from flying in Oman due to fears of extremist beliefs. Reports from ABC News and the New York Post identified the alleged attacker as Hamam Al Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani national. He had been labeled a “security risk” and suspended from flying by Oman Air.
The investigation, which remains ongoing, has highlighted concerns about aviation security in the Middle East. An anonymous source informed the Associated Press that the co-pilot was barred from flying in Oman because of extremist views. However, he later joined the UAE-based FlyDubai airline.
Concerns Over Vetting
Authorities are questioning how the co-pilot was allowed to fly for FlyDubai and serve as the first officer on a flight to Israel. According to ABC News, during training with Oman Air in 2024, he was found with extremist materials and reassigned to an administrative role. Although Newsweek has not verified these claims, such questions have arisen about the vetting process.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned that the co-pilot had undergone “Islamist radicalization” but provided no evidence. He stated intentions to find out if the attack was orchestrated and ensure accountability for those responsible.
Flight Incident Investigation
The incident took place on FlyDubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, forcing the plane to divert to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate the captain, Smit Machchhar, and the co-pilot were later moved to the UAE after being transferred from Saudi Arabia.
Machchhar, injured during the ordeal, is recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital. He spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his fight to survive and protect passengers. The captain reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to restrain the co-pilot. There were no visible weapons during the incident.
The suspect, who was reported to have intentions to crash the plane in Israel, now cooperates with investigators. Though these claims have not been independently verified, they add gravity to the ongoing investigation
Travel Interruptions
The attack has disrupted travel routes between Israel and the UAE. Following the incident, Emirates flights to Israel were canceled. This left travelers stranded, prompting emergency flights approved by both countries for passenger transport. The route, a symbol of regional normalization since the 2020 Abraham Accords, remains under suspension.