Flydubai co-pilot under investigation after cockpit attack

The Flydubai co-pilot has become the focus of investigators in the United Arab Emirates after he assaulted the flight’s captain on a route from the UAE to Israel, an incident that ended with the plane landing in Saudi Arabia.

According to investigations, the co-pilot has been identified as Hammam Al-Hamami, born to an Omani father and a Syrian mother. He joined Flydubai after leaving Oman Air and failing to secure a position with Emirates airline.

The 29-year-old Omani pilot has been banned from working in his home country following suspicions that he adopted extremist views. Omani authorities believe he may have been influenced by radical ideas during a trip to Syria.

In 2023, Al-Hamami completed his studies and earned a degree in aviation management through distance learning from Buckinghamshire New University.

UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi stated that the Flydubai co-pilot attempted to carry out a terrorist act, initiating his plan during the flight by attacking the captain in the cockpit with an emergency axe and trying to seize control of the aircraft, according to the official Emirates News Agency.

Investigations are ongoing to uncover all circumstances, motives, and connections related to the incident, as well as to complete technical examinations and review physical and digital evidence. Final results will be announced once all necessary procedures are completed.