International
oi-Swastika Sruti
Fresh details have emerged about Hamam al-Hammami, the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian Captain Smit Machchhar during a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flydubai flight on September 30.
Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar on flydubai flight FZ1073 on September 30, diverting the plane to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; UAE, Israeli, and Saudi investigations are examining al-Hammami’s past concerns over extremist views at Oman Air.
The incident took place aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was carrying 174 passengers. The aircraft went into a steep descent after the alleged cockpit attack before the injured captain managed to open the cockpit door and passengers and crew intervened. The plane was eventually diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Investigations by authorities in the UAE, Israel and Saudi Arabia are continuing.
Al-Hammami’s background is now receiving close attention because reports suggest that he had previously faced scrutiny during his time at Oman Air over concerns about extremist views and online activity.
However, several details about his background, including his alleged links to extremist organisations and the exact motive for the attack, remain under investigation and have not been independently established.
Who Is Hamam Al-Hammami?
Al-Hammami has been identified by Israeli officials and Saudi state media as an Omani national. Reports say he was born in the UAE to an Omani father and a Syrian mother and spent much of his life in the UAE.
He reportedly worked for Oman Air before moving to Royal Air Maroc, the Moroccan national carrier. He later joined flydubai, reportedly around eight months before the September 30 incident.
A LinkedIn profile bearing his name lists experience with Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc, but Indian Express noted that it could not independently establish whether the profile belonged to the co-pilot involved in the attack.
Why Was He Removed From Flying Duties At Oman Air?
One of the most significant revelations concerns al-Hammami’s previous employment at Oman Air.
According to reports citing people familiar with the matter, concerns were raised about his alleged extremist views and online activity while he was associated with the airline. He was reportedly removed from flying-related duties and moved to an office position.
Reports also say that he had allegedly visited radical websites during his pilot training.
The circumstances surrounding his departure from Oman Air are being examined as part of the wider investigation into how he later obtained employment with another airline.
Reports Of Extremist Material On Social Media
Investigators are also examining material reportedly linked to al-Hammami’s social media accounts.
Reports have referred to images and posts involving extremist figures and organisations. The Indian Express reported that material found on accounts bearing his name included extremist imagery and videos. The accounts have since reportedly been deleted.
The Statesman also reported that investigators were examining LinkedIn posts and other online material allegedly connected to al-Hammami.
However, the presence of such material on accounts does not by itself establish the full circumstances of the attack or prove an organisational connection. Authorities are still investigating his motive and whether he had any links to militant groups.
What Did Netanyahu Say About His Radicalisation?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the incident that the co-pilot had undergone what he described as “Islamist radical indoctrination.”
Netanyahu said the assessment was based on information obtained during the preliminary investigation. Israeli officials have also been examining the suspect’s personal information and social media activity.
At the same time, Israeli security officials have said their initial assessment was that al-Hammami may have acted alone. The UAE has launched its own investigation into the circumstances and possible motive behind the attack.
There is currently no confirmed evidence publicly establishing an Iranian connection to the incident.
Colleagues Described Him As Deeply Religious
A colleague who spoke to Israeli media reportedly described al-Hammami as deeply religious and said he prayed frequently.
The colleague also claimed that al-Hammami avoided shaking hands with women. These observations are being reported as part of the wider examination of his background, but religious observance by itself is not evidence of extremist activity.
The key issue for investigators is whether there was a connection between his reported online activity, any extremist beliefs and the actions that allegedly took place inside the aircraft.
How Did He Join Flydubai After Earlier Concerns?
Perhaps the biggest question now facing investigators is how al-Hammami was able to obtain a flying position after reportedly being removed from active flying duties at Oman Air.
Reports indicate that he subsequently worked for Royal Air Maroc before joining flydubai. The timeline of his employment is now being examined by investigators as they look into the airline’s recruitment and security screening procedures.The issue has also raised wider questions about background checks and security screening for commercial airline pilots, particularly when crew members are operating international routes.
It remains unclear from publicly available information what checks were conducted when al-Hammami joined flydubai and whether previous concerns were known to the airline.
What Happened Inside Flight FZ1073?
According to the investigation reported by Reuters, al-Hammami allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar during the flight, causing the aircraft to make two sudden descents and lose more than 16,000 feet in a short period.
Machchhar was seriously injured but managed to unlock the cockpit door. Passengers and crew members then entered and helped restrain the co-pilot.
Two off-duty pilots who were travelling as passengers later assisted in controlling the aircraft before it landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Captain Machchhar later told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he knew the aircraft was going down and forced himself to reach and open the cockpit door despite his injuries.
Investigation Into The Attack Continues
The UAE is leading the investigation, with Israeli and Saudi authorities also involved.
Investigators are looking at al-Hammami’s background, employment history, online activity, possible extremist connections and the exact sequence of events inside the cockpit.
For now, one of the biggest unanswered questions remains how a pilot who had reportedly faced concerns during his earlier career was able to return to flying and eventually serve as co-pilot on an international passenger flight.
