The co-pilot involved in an incident on a Flydubai flight bound for Israel has been identified as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani citizen, according to multiple reports. Al-Hammami is accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, with an emergency axe in what the United Arab Emirates described as an attempted "terrorist operation." The incident occurred on Flight FZ1073, which was carrying 174 passengers. Investigators are working to determine the motive behind the attack and whether al-Hammami acted alone or had connections to extremist groups.
Reports indicate that al-Hammami had previously been barred from flying in Oman due to concerns about alleged extremist views. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding his beliefs. The Gulf diplomat stated that investigations are ongoing to ascertain whether he acted as a "lone wolf" or had any affiliations with extremist organizations.
US media outlet CNN reported that al-Hammami was born in the UAE to a Syrian mother and had spent several years in the Emirates. Questions have arisen about his aviation career and whether any warning signs were raised prior to his employment with Flydubai.
The Wall Street Journal noted that Omani authorities had previously restricted al-Hammami from flying due to concerns about his views, but it remains unclear what those views were or if Oman communicated these concerns to other countries or airlines. CNN also mentioned that al-Hammami had been removed from flight training over similar concerns.
Flight-tracking data revealed that Flight FZ1073, which took off from Dubai at 7:05 AM (03:05 GMT), experienced a sudden descent of over 17,000 feet in approximately two minutes. During this time, a struggle ensued in the cockpit, with the co-pilot attacking Captain Machchhar, who later described the incident as he lay wounded on the cockpit floor.
Passengers and crew managed to overpower the co-pilot, and the aircraft eventually stabilized at about 15,000 feet. The transponder was switched to code 7500, indicating unlawful interference. Two reserve pilots on board took control and safely landed the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, at 9:45 AM (06:45 GMT) local time. Both pilots were taken to the hospital and later transferred to Abu Dhabi after being medically cleared.
UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi stated that investigators have classified the co-pilot's actions as a "terrorist act" and are examining the incident for connections to terrorist activity or prior planning. The UAE has jurisdiction over the incident since the aircraft is registered in the UAE, and UAE law applies to crimes committed on board.
Abu Dhabi is leading the investigation, focusing on the circumstances of the attack, its motive, and any potential connections. Flydubai flights to Israel remain suspended during the investigation.