Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami was identified after attacking the captain. Investigators are examining his past and security clearance.
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The Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami attack investigation has identified the suspect as a 29-year-old Omani national, according to ABC News sources familiar with the case. The incident occurred aboard a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and has raised questions about the suspect’s previous employment history and aviation security clearance. The Times of Russia is reporting the latest details surrounding the investigation.
Flydubai Co-Pilot Hamam al-Hammami Attack Under Investigation
The suspect has been identified as Hamam al-Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani national who was working as a co-pilot with Flydubai.
According to ABC News, sources familiar with the investigation said extremist materials were found in al-Hammami’s possession in 2024, when he was working as a co-pilot trainee with Oman Air.
Following the discovery, al-Hammami was reportedly grounded from flying for one year and moved into an administrative position at Oman Air. Investigators are now examining how he was later cleared to work as a co-pilot for Flydubai.
Questions Over Hamam al-Hammami’s Aviation Clearance
The investigation is examining the circumstances that allowed Hamam al-Hammami, despite the earlier security concerns, to subsequently operate as a first officer on a Flydubai flight.
ABC News reported that officials are trying to establish how the suspected attacker was permitted to fly for Flydubai and how he came to be in the cockpit of a flight travelling to Israel.
The Oman Air co-pilot was reportedly cooperating with investigators. According to the report, he told authorities that he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel. He is currently being held in the United Arab Emirates while authorities continue investigating the incident.
Flydubai Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Saudi Arabia
The Dubai to Tel Aviv Flydubai flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia on September 30 after a security incident occurred onboard.
The aircraft made an emergency landing at Tabuk after the Flydubai captain attack, in which the co-pilot allegedly assaulted the captain, leaving both pilots injured.
Saudi Arabia’s Interior Ministry confirmed on October 1 that the incident involving the pilot and co-pilot had led to the emergency landing. After receiving medical treatment and being released, both pilots travelled to Abu Dhabi accompanied by Emirati security personnel. The remaining six crew members had already returned safely to Dubai.
UAE Investigation Continues
The Flydubai security incident remains under investigation by authorities in the UAE. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the attack, including how al-Hammami was able to operate the flight despite the concerns reportedly identified during his previous employment.
The case has also brought renewed attention to aviation security procedures and the process through which pilots are cleared to operate passenger flights.
According to ABC News, investigators have not yet determined how al-Hammami was cleared to serve as a Flydubai co-pilot after the 2024 incident involving extremist materials.
The Flydubai investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are continuing to examine the incident, the suspect’s background and the security procedures involved.
The Times of Russia will continue to follow developments as authorities investigate the Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami attack and determine how the incident occurred.
