New details have emerged about the background of the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a Flydubai passenger aircraft bound for Israel, with multiple media reports saying he had previously been removed from flying duties in Oman because of concerns over extremist views.
The suspect has been identified by several reports as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national.
The revelations about his previous aviation career have emerged as authorities investigate the September 30 incident aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The flight was forced to divert to Saudi Arabia after an altercation reportedly broke out inside the cockpit.
The Indian captain was attacked by his co-pilot but managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew members to intervene and restrain the alleged attacker. The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk.
The incident prompted Israeli authorities to examine whether the attack was an attempted effort to bring down the aircraft. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the suspect had undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination” and had attempted to crash the plane.
Reports raise questions about his aviation history
The Wall Street Journal reported that Omani authorities had previously prohibited al-Hammami from flying after concerns arose over his alleged radical ideological views. The report cited people familiar with the matter.
CNN separately reported, citing two sources familiar with the case, that al-Hammami had been removed from a position with Oman Air amid concerns over extremist views. Other reports have provided additional details about his time with the airline and the security concerns that reportedly surrounded him.
Al Arabiya, citing an informed source, also reported that Omani authorities had determined that the co-pilot held extremist views. The broadcaster further reported that he had spent time in Syria, where investigators were examining whether he could have been exposed to radical groups or ideas.
ABC News, citing senior intelligence and law enforcement officials familiar with the investigation, reported that al-Hammami had allegedly been found with extremist materials while he was undergoing training.
The reports have raised questions about how al-Hammami was subsequently able to obtain employment with other airlines after the concerns reportedly emerged in Oman. The available reports do not establish that the allegations about his past activities were known to Flydubai when he was hired.
Investigation remains ongoing
The September 30 incident remains under investigation, with authorities examining the suspect’s background, possible motives and whether he acted alone or had links to extremist organizations. Reuters reported that Israeli officials were expected to question the co-pilot as part of the continuing investigation.
Authorities have not publicly established a definitive motive for the attack. Reports of alleged extremist beliefs and past security concerns remain attributed to officials and sources familiar with the investigations rather than established findings by a court.
The incident has also drawn attention to security screening and background checks for airline personnel, particularly after reports that the suspect had previously faced restrictions on flying in Oman before later working for other carriers.
