+34
Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, co-pilot of the FlyDubai flight that made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, was barred from flying by Oman over extremist views.
An Oman i national named Hamam al-Hammami was the co-pilot of a FlyDubai flight that made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, according to three people with knowledge of the situation, including a Gulf and Western diplomat. Oman had barred him from flying over concerns he had adopted extremist views, a person familiar with the matter said. The co-pilot was later hired by the United Arab Emirates -based airline FlyDubai, the person added, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation.
Oman Barred Co-Pilot Over Extremist Views
Oman's decision to bar Hamam al-Hammami was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. The Gulf diplomat said investigations are underway to establish whether he acted as a lone wolf or had any connection with any extremist groups. It was not immediately clear to what extent he was vetted when FlyDubai hired him.
How the co-pilot managed to be working in the cockpit on Wednesday morning is a central question for investigators. There was no immediate comment from FlyDubai, the UAE government or Oman Air. Oman's government has said nothing publicly in response to repeated questions since the incident. UAE senior diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash on Friday called the attack a dangerous terrorist act in a post on X.
The incident is a test for the UAE government, which has earned a reputation for effective measures against extremist activities but has also bristled in the past over criticism. Little else was immediately known about the co-pilot's background. His Instagram account was active until the day of the flight and then deleted.
Captain's Account and Emergency Landing
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday said the co-pilot had undergone Islamist radicalization, but provided no evidence. The captain, who was badly wounded, has said he used his remaining energy while being stabbed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing people who had noticed alarmingly unusual sounds to come in, tackle the co-pilot and stabilize the plane. It made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Officials have not described the object used to stab the captain or said whether it was carried onto the plane or came from inside the aircraft. Both the captain and co-pilot were later taken to the UAE as it leads the investigation. Officials have said a number of countries including Israel are participating.
Mednick reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. AP Washington bureau chief Anna Johnson contributed to this report from Washington.
Hamam Al-Hammami Flydubai Oman United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia Israel Anwar Gargash
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
FlyDubai pilot stabs colleague before emergency landing in Saudi ArabiaA FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after a pilot stabbed a fellow pilot during the flight. Passengers intervened to restrain the attacker, and Israeli warplanes were scrambled in response. The remaining passengers later arrived safely in Israel. The news also covers Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and a plan to launch the country's first prediction market-focused investment dealer.
Read more »
Indian pilot Smit Machchhar recalls fighting for life after co-pilot stabbing on FlyDubai flightCapt. Smit Machchhar, recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital, described how he fought for his life after his co-pilot stabbed him and the plane began a steep descent. The FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and the attacker, an Omani national, was arrested.
Read more »
FlyDubai Co-Pilot Barred by Oman Before Tel Aviv Flight AttackThe FlyDubai co-pilot who nearly crashed a Tel Aviv-bound flight with 182 aboard was previously barred from flying by Oman over extremism concerns, a source says.
Read more »
FlyDubai Co-Pilot Hamam al-Hammami Barred by Oman Air Over Extremist Views Before Cockpit AttackThe co-pilot accused of attacking a FlyDubai captain with a crash axe was previously barred from flying by Oman Air over concerns about extremist views, officials say. The UAE is leading the investigation into the attack, which injured the captain and injured passengers on an Israel-bound flight.
Read more »