Flydubai Co-Pilot Hamam Al-Hammami Had Extremist Views, Reports Say

The Flydubai co-pilot suspected of attacking Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 has been identified as Hamam Al-Hammami, an Omani national with a history of extremist beliefs. The incident has sparked a terrorism probe in the UAE, raising concerns about how the co-pilot was permitted to fly the plane.

According to reports quoting officials acquainted with the inquiry, Al-Hammami was previously barred from flying in Oman due to alleged extreme views. He is also said to have spent some time in Syria before relocating to the UAE.

Flydubai Co-Pilot Hamam Al-Hammami Faced Earlier Concerns Over Extremist Views

According to reports, Al-Hammami formerly worked for Oman’s national airline until being pulled from a training program last year due to concerns about his suspected extremist views. A regional diplomatic source told CNN that he was later allocated another duty at the airline.

According to sources quoted in media, Al-Hammami spent a significant amount of time outside of Oman, specifically in Syria, where he was supposedly exposed to extremist ideologies. He later flew to the United Arab Emirates, although information about his movements and activities are still being investigated.

CNN also reported that the suspect was born in the UAE to an Omani father and a Syrian mother, and had spent several years there. An Israeli official stated that he had worked for Flydubai for around eight months prior to the September 30 event.

Another source stated that Al-Hammami had previously worked for Royal Air Maroc. However, authorities are still looking into his professional background and the circumstances surrounding his employment with several airlines.

Following the incident, the suspect was flown from Saudi Arabia, where the plane made an emergency landing, to the UAE. He is currently facing a terrorism probe.

Attack on Captain Smit Machchhar Forced Emergency Landing

The event occurred aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar within the cockpit in what authorities believe was an attempt to bring down the plane.

During the confrontation, the aircraft reportedly dropped 16,000 feet in around two minutes. A hijacked distress signal was also sent, triggering an emergency reaction.

Despite his terrible injuries, Captain Machchhar battled the claimed attacker and successfully opened the cockpit door. Other flight staff and passengers then entered the cockpit and assisted in restraining the co-pilot.

Two off-duty aviators aboard the aircraft also helped the crew regain control and manage the issue. The aeroplane was then diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it safely landed.

All 180 individuals on board the plane were able to escape without injury. Captain Machchhar has won recognition for his actions during the conflict, which helped save the situation from deteriorating further.

Investigation Examines Suspect’s Motives and Flight Clearance

Investigators are also looking into reports of material reportedly discovered among the suspect’s things. According to an earlier claim quoting an Emirati source, fliers and publications associated with pro-Palestinian parties, including “Free Palestine” literature, were recovered.

According to the claims, Al-Hammami declared solidarity for Palestinians while harbouring enmity for Israel. These allegations are being investigated as part of the probe into his suspected radicalisation and probable motivations. The material said to have been recovered does not prove the suspect’s intentions.

The event has also prompted questions about how an Omani national was allowed to serve on a flight to Tel Aviv, given that Oman has no diplomatic links with Israel. An Israeli official stated that many agencies, including Shin Bet, Mossad, the military, and the Transportation Ministry, were looking into how the co-pilot joined the flight crew.

Meanwhile, sources close to the investigation stated that the suspect did not have a second nationality. Authorities are still investigating his past, previous job, and the events that led to the cockpit attack.

The investigation in the UAE is still ongoing, with further information about the suspect’s alleged extremist affiliations, work history, and motives yet to be determined.