UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said initial findings of an investigation indicate that a flydubai co-pilot allegedly attempted to carry out a “terrorist act” during a flight bound for Tel Aviv.
According to the findings, the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain inside the cockpit with an emergency axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
The incident occurred aboard a flydubai flight operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The Indian captain was reportedly attacked by his co-pilot but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to restrain the attacker. The aircraft was subsequently diverted and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
The alleged attack has prompted increased scrutiny of the co-pilot, identified by multiple media reports as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami.
Several international media outlets reported that the co-pilot had previously been barred from flying in Oman amid concerns over alleged extremist views.
The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, reported that Omani authorities had prohibited him from flying over concerns about his alleged radical ideological views.
CNN, citing two sources familiar with the case, reported that he had been removed from a position at Oman’s national airline last year following concerns over alleged extremist views.
Al Arabiya, citing an informed source, also reported that Omani authorities had determined that the co-pilot held extremist views. The broadcaster further reported that he had spent time in Syria, raising concerns over possible exposure to radical groups.
ABC News, citing senior intelligence and law-enforcement officials familiar with the investigation, reported that the suspect had allegedly been found in possession of extremist material while he was a trainee.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident, including the co-pilot’s alleged motives and previous activities.
