flydubai Scare: Omani Co-Pilot Accused Of Attacking Indian Captain Identified, Planned To Crash Plane In Israel

flydubai Plane Incident: The Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar during a flydubai flight heading towards Tel Aviv on Wednesday has been identified as 29-year-old Hamam Al-Hammami. Reports citing sources familiar with the investigation have linked the suspect to previous concerns over his alleged extremist views and his time in Syria.

Omani Co-Pilot Identified 

According to Al Arabiya English, citing sources, Al-Hammami had previously been stopped from flying in Oman due to concerns over his alleged extremist views. The sources also claimed that he had spent significant time outside Oman, including in Syria, where he was allegedly exposed to extremist ideas.

Similarly, CNN reported that Al-Hammami had previously worked with Oman’s national airline and was removed from a training programme last year after concerns were raised about radical views. A regional diplomatic source told the news outlet that he was taken out of training over those concerns. However, he was later assigned to another role at the airline.

ALSO READ: Flydubai Cockpit Attack: What 'Hero' Indian Pilot Captain Smit Machchhar's Surname Means

The reports further claim that his experiences in Syria may have contributed to the extremist views that raised concerns among authorities. Channel 12 in Israel also reported that investigators were examining whether Al-Hammami had been influenced by Al-Qaeda's ideology. However, the UAE authorities have not publicly confirmed Al-Hammami's identity, background, or the allegations concerning his previous employment and extremist links.

What Happened During Flight

The incident took place on September 30 while the Flydubai Boeing 737 was travelling towards Tel Aviv. Al-Hammami is accused of attacking and stabbing Captain Machchhar, after which the aircraft went into a steep descent. Despite being injured, Machchhar was able to open the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene. The aircraft eventually made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. 

Probe On

After the aircraft landed, Al-Hammami was reportedly transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE on Thursday, where he is facing a terrorism-related investigation. 

i24NEWS, citing sources familiar with the investigation, reported that the suspect told investigators that he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel. His reported presence on a flight bound for Tel Aviv has also drawn attention as Oman does not have diplomatic relations with Israel.

ALSO READ: UAE Official Calls Flydubai Cockpit Attack 'Dangerous Terrorist Act', Praises Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar As 'Hero'

You May Also Like To Watch: