Omani Co-Pilot's Extremist Links Raise Questions Over Security Clearance

An investigation into the Flydubai co-pilot who attacked the captain has revealed that the 29-year-old Omani national, Hamam al-Hammami, had extremist materials discovered in 2024 while he was employed by Oman Air. Authorities are puzzled over how he was subsequently cleared to serve as a co-pilot for Flydubai. The co-pilot admitted his intention to crash the aircraft in Israel. The incident led to an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on September 30, with both pilots sustaining injuries. The United Arab Emirates is continuing its investigation into the incident.

Key facts

• The Flydubai co-pilot who attacked the captain has been identified as 29-year-old Omani national Hamam al-Hammami.
• Extremist materials were discovered in 2024 belonging to al-Hammami, who was then working as a co-pilot for Oman Air.
• Investigators have yet to determine how he was cleared to operate a Flydubai flight as a co-pilot.
• The Omani national admitted his intention to crash the aircraft in Israel.
• The incident led to an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on September 30, with both pilots sustaining injuries.

Sources

• TASS