Officials have identified the suspect in last week's FlyDubai incident as a 29-year-old Omani national who was previously suspended from flying duties after being deemed a security risk.
Background on the Suspect
Multiple sources familiar with the investigation identified the suspect as Hamam Al Hammami. While working as a co-pilot trainee for Oman Air in 2024, he was found in possession of extremist materials, according to senior intelligence and law enforcement officials cited in reports.
Al Hammami was suspended from flying but permitted to continue working for the airline in an administrative role. Investigators are examining how he later secured a position with FlyDubai and was assigned as first officer on the flight to Tel Aviv.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred on a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The co-pilot allegedly assaulted the captain with a crash axe inside the cockpit and attempted to seize control of the aircraft, with the apparent intent of crashing it in Israel, officials said.
The United Arab Emirates Attorney General described the actions as an attempted terrorist act. The plane was diverted and made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where the suspect was initially held before being transferred to the UAE.
The captain, identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar, sustained injuries but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene.
Ongoing Investigation
The suspect is reported to be cooperating with authorities and has indicated his intent to crash the aircraft in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the suspect had undergone Islamist radicalization, and investigations continue into whether he acted alone.
Questions remain about vetting processes and information sharing between airlines and governments regarding prior security concerns.
