Flydubai attack: Suspect identified as Hamam Alhamami was barred from flying in Oman over extremist concerns
The Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar aboard a flydubai flight to Tel Aviv has been identified as Hamam Alhamami. Multiple reports say he had previously been barred from flying in Oman over concerns about his alleged extremist views.Al Arabiya English, citing sources, reported that Alhamami was prevented from flying in Oman because of concerns about his extremist views and subsequently left the country. It said he had spent much of his time outside Oman, particularly in Syria, where he was allegedly influenced by extremist ideas before travelling to the UAE.
Removed from Oman Air training role
The revelations follow a CNN report that Alhamami had been removed from a training role at Oman Air, Oman’s national carrier, last year after concerns were raised about his radical views. He was removed from training because of those concerns but was later given another role at the airline, the report said, citing a regional diplomatic source familiar with the matter.
Pro-Palestinian material found among belongings
Further reports have raised questions about Alhamami’s alleged ideological views. i24 News, citing an Emirati source, reported that leaflets and publications from “Free Palestine” groups, along with other pro-Palestinian material, were found among his belongings.According to i24 News, Alhamami had repeatedly expressed support for Palestinians and hostility towards Israel. The report said investigators were examining the material as part of a broader probe into his alleged Islamic radicalisation and possible terrorist motives.
Questions over clearance for Tel Aviv flight
The reports have also raised questions about how Alhamami was cleared to serve on a Tel Aviv-bound flight despite being an Omani citizen. Oman does not recognise Israel and has no diplomatic relations with the country.An Israeli official told CNN that several agencies, including Shin Bet, Mossad, the military and the Transportation Ministry, were investigating how Alhamami came to be part of the flight crew.
Who is Alhamami?
According to the report, Alhamami is an Omani citizen. He was born in the United Arab Emirates to an Omani father and Syrian mother and spent several years of his life in the UAE. The Jerusalem Post, citing sources close to the investigation, reported that he did not hold a second nationality.CNN reported that Alhamami had worked for Flydubai for only eight months. He had previously worked for Royal Air Maroc, Morocco’s national carrier.
Transferred to UAE, faces terrorism probe
Alhamami was transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE after the aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk. He is facing a terrorism investigation in the UAE.
What happened aboard Flydubai flight
The September 30 incident took place aboard a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Alhamami allegedly attacked Captain Machchhar inside the cockpit in what is being investigated as a possible terror-driven attempt to bring down the aircraft.The confrontation triggered a steep descent, with the aircraft dropping approximately 16,000 feet within two minutes before a hijacking distress signal was transmitted.Despite suffering severe injuries, Captain Machchhar resisted the attack and managed to open the cockpit door. Flight crew members and passengers then entered the cockpit and restrained Alhamami, allowing the crew to regain control of the aircraft.Two non-duty aviators who were travelling aboard the flight also helped assume control of the aircraft. The plane subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with all 180 occupants disembarking safely.
