FlyDubai Co-Pilot Accused of Attack Had Previous Extremist Concerns

The co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a FlyDubai flight heading to Israel was reportedly previously barred from flying in Oman due to concerns about extremist views. ABC News and the New York Post identified the alleged attacker as Hamam Al Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani national. According to ABC, citing senior intelligence and law enforcement officials, Al Hammami was earlier suspended from flying by Oman Air after being flagged as a ‘security risk.’ A source familiar with the investigation told the Associated Press that the co-pilot had been prohibited from flying in Oman due to concerns over extremist tendencies before being hired by the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based airline. This source spoke on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing nature of the investigation into the cockpit attack, which forced the aircraft to divert and raised aviation security questions in the Middle East.

Questions About Vetting

Officials are investigating how Al Hammami was later allowed to fly for FlyDubai and serve as first officer on a flight bound for Israel, as per ABC News reports. While undergoing co-pilot training for Oman Air in 2024, he was allegedly found with extremist materials and subsequently reassigned to an administrative role, the outlet reported. Newsweek has not independently confirmed these claims.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the co-pilot had undergone ‘Islamist radicalization,’ without providing evidence. ‘We are now investigating whether he was sent, and whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price,’ Netanyahu said in a Friday video message.

Investigation Continues

The incident happened on board FlyDubai Flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft eventually landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia after passengers and crew allegedly helped subdue the attack on the captain. Smit Machchhar, the injured captain hailed as a hero, and the co-pilot were moved from Saudi Arabia to the UAE on Thursday.

Machchhar is recuperating in an Abu Dhabi hospital. He spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a televised call, detailing the terror he faced during the cockpit assault. Reports indicate the captain managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers to enter and subdue the attacker as the Boeing 737—with 174 passengers and eight crew members, mostly Israelis—rapidly descended. Passengers reportedly wrestled the co-pilot from the cockpit to the main cabin floor, restraining him with headphones, while a dentist attended to the injured pilot.

The suspect was later transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE and is cooperating with investigators. ABC News, citing sources briefed on the investigation, noted that the suspect indicated his plan to crash the aircraft in Israel, although Newsweek has not verified this allegation.

Travel Disruptions

The attack has disrupted travel between Israel and the UAE. Emirates flights to Israel were canceled, leading to repatriation efforts for affected travelers. Israel and the UAE authorized special flights to transport passengers between the nations while regular operations remain suspended. This flight route has been a significant symbol of regional normalization since the 2020 Abraham Accords between Israel and the UAE.