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FlyDubai Co-Pilot Hamam Al Hammami Identified in Mid-Flight Attack on Captain Smit Machchhar
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CNBC TV18•03-10-2026, 10:04
FlyDubai Co-Pilot Hamam Al Hammami Identified in Mid-Flight Attack on Captain Smit Machchhar
- •Hamam Al Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani national, has been identified as the co-pilot who allegedly assaulted Captain Smit Machchhar on a FlyDubai flight to Israel.
- •Al Hammami was reportedly prohibited from flight operations previously due to concerns about extremist ideologies and was classified as a "security risk" by Oman Air.
- •Born in the UAE to an Omani father and Syrian mother, Al Hammami was reassigned to an administrative role by Oman Air in 2024 after extremist materials were found in his possession.
- •The incident involved Al Hammami allegedly attacking Captain Machchhar with a blade and attempting to take control of the aircraft, leading to an emergency diversion to Saudi Arabia.
- •Authorities are investigating how Al Hammami was employed by FlyDubai and allowed to serve as first officer on a flight destined for Israel despite his past security concerns.
Key Questions Answered
The co-pilot identified in the attack against Captain Smit Machchhar is 29-year-old Hamam Al Hammami, an Omani national.
A FlyDubai aircraft flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced to divert to Saudi Arabia after first officer Hamam Al Hammami allegedly assaulted Captain Smit Machchhar in the cockpit. Passengers and crew intervened, and a backup crew of FlyDubai pilots safely landed the plane at Tabuk Airport.
He was previously removed from flight duties by Oman Air after being classified as a security risk due to concerns regarding his extremist ideologies and the possession of extremist materials.
