The Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a FlyDubai passenger plane with an axe had previously been barred from flying for Oman Air after concerns were raised about alleged extremist views, according to officials and people familiar with the investigation.
The co-pilot, identified by sources as Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked the captain with the aircraft’s emergency crash axe during a flight bound for Israel on Wednesday. United Arab Emirates authorities have described the incident as a terrorist attack.
The aircraft, carrying 182 people, reportedly entered a sharp descent during the incident as the co-pilot allegedly attempted to take control of the plane. Passengers and other people on board intervened, helping subdue him and allowing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The captain survived the attack.
According to officials, al-Hammami had previously been working as a co-pilot trainee with Oman Air in 2024 when he was identified as a security concern. Sources said he was found with materials described as extremist and was subsequently suspended from flying for a period before being moved to an administrative position.
He was later hired by FlyDubai after reportedly completing standard security checks. The new information has raised questions about whether the airline’s screening process went far enough to identify potential ideological or radicalization concerns.
Investigators are now examining how al-Hammami was able to return to a cockpit after previously being restricted from flying. Authorities are also trying to establish his motive and determine whether he acted alone or had links to any extremist organization.
The incident has attracted additional attention because the flight was heading to Israel, while Israel and Oman do not have formal diplomatic relations. Israeli authorities have previously maintained strict security arrangements for foreign airlines operating flights carrying Israeli passengers.
The plane’s captain said he used his remaining strength during the attack to unlock the cockpit door, allowing others to enter and help stop the assault. The aircraft subsequently landed safely despite the severity of the incident.
FlyDubai said it could not comment beyond its official statements while investigations continue. Oman Air and Omani authorities have also faced questions about the co-pilot’s previous employment history.
The incident has prompted investigations involving security agencies from several countries, with regional and Western authorities examining the suspect’s background, possible motives and how he passed the screening required to work for another airline.
The case has renewed scrutiny of aviation security and employee vetting, particularly regarding how airlines assess potential security threats beyond conventional criminal background checks.
Swifteradio.com
