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Security Lapses Exposed: Omani Pilot Cleared for Flydubai Flight Despite UAE Sharing Crew List
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News18•04-10-2026, 19:27
Security Lapses Exposed: Omani Pilot Cleared for Flydubai Flight Despite UAE Sharing Crew List
- •The UAE shared the Flydubai flight crew list with Israel before the journey, yet Omani co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami was cleared to operate the flight to Tel Aviv.
- •Hammam al-Hammami, who attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe, was banned from flying in Oman due to alleged extremist views.
- •The Omani co-pilot was permitted to operate a flight carrying Israeli passengers to Tel Aviv despite Oman not having diplomatic relations with Israel.
- •The UAE described the co-pilot's attack as a "terrorist attack," with the plane carrying nearly 180 people at risk of crashing before the captain intervened.
- •The incident has raised questions about security procedures and how the co-pilot passed multiple checks, with Israeli officials denying prior warnings about anyone onboard.
Key Questions Answered
The Omani co-pilot, Hammam al-Hammami, attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe inside the cockpit and attempted to take control of the aircraft in what authorities described as a terrorist attack before being overpowered by passengers and crew members.
Omani officials stated that the co-pilot had been previously barred from flying in Oman due to concerns regarding his alleged extremist views.
Israeli officials noted that Israel's Shin Bet stated passenger-list checks fall under the Transportation Ministry, while the Ministry itself reported it had not received a passenger list or any warning prior to the flight.
