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Flydubai Co-Pilot Banned in Oman Over Radical Views Before Cockpit Attack
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News18•03-10-2026, 08:02
Flydubai Co-Pilot Banned in Oman Over Radical Views Before Cockpit Attack
- •Hamam Al-Hammami, the Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar, was previously banned from flying in Oman due to concerns about his radical ideological views.
- •The Wall Street Journal reported that Al-Hammami was later hired by Flydubai and assigned to flights connecting the UAE and Israel.
- •It remains unclear if Oman shared its concerns about Al-Hammami with other countries or airlines.
- •ABC News, citing intelligence officials, stated Al-Hammami was identified as a security risk during Oman Air training in 2024 and suspended from flying duties.
- •The incident raises serious questions about pilot screening, security checks, and how Al-Hammami was subsequently employed by Flydubai, with the UAE leading the investigation into the cockpit attack.
Key Questions Answered
Hamam Al-Hammami was previously banned from flying in Oman over concerns regarding his radical ideological views and after being identified as a security risk while training with Oman Air in 2024.
After being suspended from flying duties in Oman, Al-Hammami was hired by Flydubai and assigned to flights connecting the United Arab Emirates and Israel.
The United Arab Emirates is leading the investigation into the cockpit attack involving Captain Smit Machchhar and co-pilot Hamam Al-Hammami, while authorities examine the circumstances and possible motives.
