FlyDubai Co-Pilot Identified as Omani National Barred from Flying Over Extremism Concerns

CAIRO (AP) — The co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of an Israel-bound flight with an ax and attempting to seize control was identified as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national who had been barred from flying on his country's airline due to concerns about extremist views, officials stated on Saturday. The United Arab Emirates, which is leading the investigation, reported that the co-pilot attacked with the cockpit's crash ax and attempted to take control of the plane, which had 182 people on board, in what has been described as a "terrorist attack" on Wednesday. Passengers and crew intervened to subdue him. Investigators are examining how FlyDubai vetted the co-pilot and how he was allowed to fly on a plane with Israeli passengers despite Israel's strict security protocols. Israel has agreements with foreign carriers to prevent pilots from countries without diplomatic ties from operating flights to Israel. The UAE government has been noted for its effective counter-extremism measures but has faced criticism regarding security lapses. The incident occurred a week before the anniversary of the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which initiated the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and just weeks before a contentious election in Israel where security issues are paramount. A regional official and another source indicated that the co-pilot had been barred from flying by Oman due to concerns about his extremist views and had been reassigned to an administrative position at Oman Air. The co-pilot was later employed by FlyDubai, although the extent of his vetting remains unclear. The Gulf diplomat noted that standard security checks were conducted, focusing primarily on criminal convictions rather than deeper background checks for signs of radicalization. Security agencies from four regional countries are collaborating to investigate the co-pilot's motives, with assistance from the United States and other Western governments. The investigation has not revealed any connections to militant groups, suggesting that the co-pilot acted independently. The co-pilot was born in the UAE to a Syrian mother and an Omani father. He had traveled to Syria, but no further details were provided. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the co-pilot had undergone "Islamist radicalization" without presenting evidence. A FlyDubai spokesperson acknowledged the situation's complexity but refrained from further comment. The captain, who sustained serious injuries, reported that he used his remaining strength to unlock the cockpit door, allowing others to enter and assist in stabilizing the flight. The plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after experiencing a severe descent, and experts have noted the remarkable fact that it did not crash. The captain and co-pilot were subsequently taken to the UAE, while the passengers, primarily Israeli, returned home on a separate flight.