The Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit of a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv has been identified as Hamam Al-Hammami, according to Al Arabiya, citing sources. The identification comes as investigators in the United Arab Emirates examine the circumstances surrounding the September 30 incident, in which the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft.<h2>Who is Hamam Al-Hammami?</h2>Al-Hammami is an Omani national who was working as a co-pilot with Flydubai, according to reports. ABC News and The Wall Street Journal, citing officials and people familiar with the investigation, reported that Al-Hammami had previously been identified as a security concern in Oman. According to those reports, he had been suspended from flying by Oman Air after authorities found extremist material in his possession.ABC News reported that the suspect, then a co-pilot trainee at Oman Air, was removed from the airline's flight-training programme in 2024 and subsequently worked in an administrative role.The Wall Street Journal separately reported that Al-Hammami had previously been barred from flying in Oman because of concerns about his radical ideological views. It remains unclear whether those concerns were communicated to other countries or airlines.Reports have also said he spent periods outside Oman, including in Syria, where he was allegedly exposed to extremist ideas. Those claims remain part of the information being examined and have not been established as the motive for the Flydubai incident.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flydubai-cockpit-attack-omani-co-pilot-handed-to-uae-as-investigators-probe-terrorism-angle-iran-links-1790909776557">Flydubai cockpit attack: Omani co-pilot handed to UAE as investigators probe terrorism angle, Iran links</a><h2>How did he end up flying a UAE-Israel route?</h2>This raises the question how was Al-Hammami subsequently hired by Flydubai and cleared to operate an international route between the UAE and Israel.According to the Wall Street Journal Al-Hammami was employed by Flydubai despite his earlier problems in Oman and was able to operate the sensitive UAE-Israel route. The report said it was not clear whether Oman had shared information about its concerns with the UAE or Flydubai.The issue is now likely to form part of the wider investigation into the attack, including the background checks and security procedures through which the co-pilot was cleared.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also said Israel would examine how an Omani national was cleared to work on flights to Israel, particularly given that Israel does not have diplomatic relations with Oman.<h2>What happened aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073?</h2>The aircraft was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when the co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar. According to accounts from passengers and officials, the aircraft was cruising at around 33,000 feet when the confrontation erupted. The plane then went into a steep descent, losing thousands of feet of altitude in a matter of seconds.Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers rushed into the flight deck and helped restrain the co-pilot, while other crew members and off-duty pilots onboard helped regain control of the aircraft. The plane ultimately diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where both pilots were taken for medical attention. The passengers were later flown back to Israel.<h2>What was Al-Hammami's motive?</h2>This remains unresolved. Israeli officials have described the incident as a suspected terrorist attack. Netanyahu has said Al-Hammami underwent “Islamist radical indoctrination” and appeared suicidal, while other officials have raised questions about possible extremist links.US President Donald Trump has also raised the possibility of an Iranian connection, although no evidence establishing such a link has been publicly presented.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-claims-iran-may-be-involved-in-flydubai-cockpit-attack-vows-to-hit-very-hard-if-link-found-1790912849893">Trump claims Iran may be involved in Flydubai cockpit attack, vows to 'hit very hard' if link found</a> The UAE is leading the investigation and has been examining whether the incident had a terrorist purpose. Authorities have not publicly announced a final finding on Al-Hammami's motive.<h2>Al-Hammami's reported aviation background</h2>Further reporting has begun to shed light on his professional history. According to ABC News, Al-Hammami had been a co-pilot trainee at Oman Air before being removed from flight duties and moved into an administrative position.A separate report by Moroccan outlet Le Desk claims Al-Hammami also underwent theoretical training with Royal Air Maroc for about three months but did not fly for the airline. The report said it reviewed and authenticated a deleted LinkedIn profile in tracing his professional background.These details are still emerging as authorities investigate his background and how he subsequently obtained employment with Flydubai.<h2>Captain Smit Machchhar reveals what happened in the cockpit</h2>Machchhar, meanwhile, has been praised in India, Israel and United States for his actions during the emergency. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called him a “HERO”, saying his courage helped save lives. Prime Minister of India Modi on Friday (Oct 2) also spoke to Machchhar directly. The Indian pilot told him that despite being badly injured, he realised the aircraft was going down and made what he described as a final effort to open the cockpit door.Machchhar is recovering in Abu Dhabi. India's ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, said the pilot was stable and “smiling, laughing, chatting” when he visited him at the hospital.The investigation into Al-Hammami's background, the attack and motive is continuing.

The Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar has been identified as Omani national Hamam Al-Hammami. New reports say he had previously been grounded in Oman over alleged extremist concerns, raising questions about how he later became a Flydubai pilot.

The Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit of a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv has been identified as Hamam Al-Hammami, according to Al Arabiya, citing sources. The identification comes as investigators in the United Arab Emirates examine the circumstances surrounding the September 30 incident, in which the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Who is Hamam Al-Hammami? Al-Hammami is an Omani national who was working as a co-pilot with Flydubai, according to reports. ABC News and The Wall Street Journal, citing officials and people familiar with the investigation, reported that Al-Hammami had previously been identified as a security concern in Oman. According to those reports, he had been suspended from flying by Oman Air after authorities found extremist material in his possession. ABC News reported that the suspect, then a co-pilot trainee at Oman Air, was removed from the airline's flight-training programme in 2024 and subsequently worked in an administrative role. The Wall Street Journal separately reported that Al-Hammami had previously been barred from flying in Oman because of concerns about his radical ideological views. It remains unclear whether those concerns were communicated to other countries or airlines. Reports have also said he spent periods outside Oman, including in Syria, where he was allegedly exposed to extremist ideas. Those claims remain part of the information being examined and have not been established as the motive for the Flydubai incident. Also read | Flydubai cockpit attack: Omani co-pilot handed to UAE as investigators probe terrorism angle, Iran links How did he end up flying a UAE-Israel route? This raises the question how was Al-Hammami subsequently hired by Flydubai and cleared to operate an international route between the UAE and Israel. According to the Wall Street Journal Al-Hammami was employed by Flydubai despite his earlier problems in Oman and was able to operate the sensitive UAE-Israel route. The report said it was not clear whether Oman had shared information about its concerns with the UAE or Flydubai. The issue is now likely to form part of the wider investigation into the attack, including the background checks and security procedures through which the co-pilot was cleared. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also said Israel would examine how an Omani national was cleared to work on flights to Israel, particularly given that Israel does not have diplomatic relations with Oman. What happened aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073? The aircraft was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when the co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar. According to accounts from passengers and officials, the aircraft was cruising at around 33,000 feet when the confrontation erupted. The plane then went into a steep descent, losing thousands of feet of altitude in a matter of seconds. Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door. Passengers rushed into the flight deck and helped restrain the co-pilot, while other crew members and off-duty pilots onboard helped regain control of the aircraft. The plane ultimately diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where both pilots were taken for medical attention. The passengers were later flown back to Israel. What was Al-Hammami's motive? This remains unresolved. Israeli officials have described the incident as a suspected terrorist attack. Netanyahu has said Al-Hammami underwent “Islamist radical indoctrination” and appeared suicidal, while other officials have raised questions about possible extremist links. US President Donald Trump has also raised the possibility of an Iranian connection, although no evidence establishing such a link has been publicly presented. Also read | Trump claims Iran may be involved in Flydubai cockpit attack, vows to 'hit very hard' if link found The UAE is leading the investigation and has been examining whether the incident had a terrorist purpose. Authorities have not publicly announced a final finding on Al-Hammami's motive. Al-Hammami's reported aviation background Further reporting has begun to shed light on his professional history. According to ABC News, Al-Hammami had been a co-pilot trainee at Oman Air before being removed from flight duties and moved into an administrative position. A separate report by Moroccan outlet Le Desk claims Al-Hammami also underwent theoretical training with Royal Air Maroc for about three months but did not fly for the airline. The report said it reviewed and authenticated a deleted LinkedIn profile in tracing his professional background. These details are still emerging as authorities investigate his background and how he subsequently obtained employment with Flydubai. Captain Smit Machchhar reveals what happened in the cockpit Machchhar, meanwhile, has been praised in India, Israel and United States for his actions during the emergency. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called him a “HERO”, saying his courage helped save lives. Prime Minister of India Modi on Friday (Oct 2) also spoke to Machchhar directly. The Indian pilot told him that despite being badly injured, he realised the aircraft was going down and made what he described as a final effort to open the cockpit door. Machchhar is recovering in Abu Dhabi. India's ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, said the pilot was stable and “smiling, laughing, chatting” when he visited him at the hospital. The investigation into Al-Hammami's background, the attack and motive is continuing.

The Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar has been identified as Omani national Hamam Al-Hammami. New reports say he had previously been grounded in Oman over alleged extremist concerns, raising questions about how he later became a Flydubai pilot.

Who is Hamam Al-Hammami? Omani co-pilot in Flydubai cockpit attack was already flagged over security concerns

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that the Omani copilot who stabbed the pilot on flydubai flight in an attempt to crash the plane carrying many Israelis “underwent Islamist radical indoctrination,” and was suicidal as he yelled, “Kill me, kill me,” after being overpowered.&nbsp;In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu said that the copilot is being interrogated in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;&nbsp;“We know that he underwent Islamist radical indoctrination,” Netanyahu said, adding that investigators would examine in the coming days whether there was any “Iran link” to the incident.&nbsp;During the incident, the attacker called out to the aircrew, ‘Kill me, kill me,’ making it clear that he was “suicidal,” he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Netanyahu: We know that the attacker pilot underwent “Islamist radical indoctrination.” <a href="https://t.co/KZ1VLpbYTE">pic.twitter.com/KZ1VLpbYTE</a>&mdash; Open Source Intel (@Osint613) <a href="https://x.com/Osint613/status/2105636313785639238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>‘We’ll join interrogation and find out what happened’</h2> Netanyahu said Saudi Arabia is currently holding the copilot and will, “I assume, very quickly” transfer him to Dubai for interrogation. “He’s an Omani national… We’ll join the interrogation and find out what happened there exactly.”“I think it’s too early to say whether there was Iranian collusion,” the Israeli PM said, but added that he anticipates more definitive findings soon.Netanyahu said within the coming days, Israel will be able to conclusively say whether the copilot had any links to Iran. Referring to the thinking when the initial “hijacking alert” came and fighter jets were reportedly scrambled, Netanyahu said, “This may be the toughest situation that we can be in… where an unidentified passenger plane is heading towards Israel.” <h2>‘There were signs from Iran-backed groups…’</h2> Netanyahu also said there were “signs” from Iran-backed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah of plans to carry out attacks in Israel but stressed that it was not yet known whether the flydubai incident was linked to those plans. The incident involved flydubai flight FZ 1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, when the Omani copilot allegedly stabbed Indian captain Smit Machchhar and seriously wounded him during the flight. Despite his injuries, Machchhar reportedly managed to alert authorities and open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower and pin down the attacker while foiling his dastardly plans. The attack put the lives of 180 passengers, mostly Israelis, at risk. Two off-duty flydubai pilots travelling as passengers then helped take control of the aircraft, which made an emergency landing at Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk airport. The passengers were later flown to Tel Aviv on another aircraft, while Machchhar was initially treated in Saudi Arabia and later airlifted to Abu Dhabi. <h2>Investigators still working to establish real motive behind attack</h2> Investigators are still working to establish the real and full motive behind the attack and determine how the co-pilot was able to carry it out aboard the flight. While authorities have not yet disclosed the co-pilot’s identity, he is reportedly an Omani national who was arrested after flydubai flight FZ1073 made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Revealing that Israel would question the co-pilot and probe any possible Iran angle, Netanyahu told Fox News, “We’ll get to the root of this attacker, whether he had accomplices and whether Iran was behind it. I think we’ll find out very soon.”“We’ll be following and possibly also participating in this investigation,” he added.Netanyahu joined other members of the Israeli administration in describing the incident as a jihadist terror attack. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz was among the first to call it “an attempted jihadist terror attack”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were “signs” from Iran-backed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah of plans to carry out attacks in Israel but stressed that it was not yet known whether the flydubai incident was linked to those plans.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that the Omani copilot who stabbed the pilot on flydubai flight in an attempt to crash the plane carrying many Israelis “underwent Islamist radical indoctrination,” and was suicidal as he yelled, “Kill me, kill me,” after being overpowered. In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu said that the copilot is being interrogated in Saudi Arabia. “We know that he underwent Islamist radical indoctrination,” Netanyahu said, adding that investigators would examine in the coming days whether there was any “Iran link” to the incident. During the incident, the attacker called out to the aircrew, ‘Kill me, kill me,’ making it clear that he was “suicidal,” he added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were “signs” from Iran-backed groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah of plans to carry out attacks in Israel but stressed that it was not yet known whether the flydubai incident was linked to those plans.

Netanyahu says Omani flydubai copilot ‘underwent Islamist radical indoctrination’, was suicidal

The Omani co-pilot who allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe in an attempt to hijack and crash the flydubai Flight FZ1073 carrying 174 passengers, mostly Israelis, has been described as a ‘religious extremist’ by another fellow pilot who spoke to an Israeli newspaper.&nbsp;&nbsp;Israel has called the incident an attempted “jihadist terrorist attack” and has directed its security and intelligence agencies, including Mossad and Shin Bet to launch an investigation.&nbsp;According to a report by The Times of Israel, the fellow pilot, speaking to Israel’s Channel 16, said the Omani national had joined flydubai around eight months ago and that he prayed excessively throughout the day and even refused to shake hands with women.&nbsp;However, these allegations from a fellow pilot do not establish the co-pilot’s motive by themselves and will require a complete investigation by the relevant authorities.&nbsp;<h2>After initial Saudi probe, co-pilot to be handed over to UAE</h2>&nbsp;Reports say the initial probe is being conducted by Saudi Arabia, where the aircraft made its emergency landing, after which the co-pilot is expected to be handed over to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for further investigation.&nbsp;Meanwhile, an Omani official reportedly confirmed to US-based media that the attacker, whose name has not been released, was born in Oman and holds Omani citizenship.Saudi officials have confirmed that both crew members were hospitalised following the emergency landing at Tabuk Airport.&nbsp;Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Thursday that the co-pilot is currently being questioned in Saudi Arabia.“He’ll be, I assume, moved very quickly to Dubai,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israeli authorities will “join the interrogation and find out what happened there exactly.”&nbsp;The UAE has separately ordered an investigation into the circumstances and motives behind the incident, including whether it was connected to terrorist activity or was planned in advance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Emirati authorities said that the UAE law applies to crimes committed aboard aircraft registered in the country, even when they occur outside its territory.

Israel called the incident an attempted jihadist terrorist attack and directed its security and intelligence agencies, including Mossad and Shin Bet to launch an investigation. The initial probe is being conducted by Saudi Arabia, after which the co-pilot will be handed over to the UAE.

The Omani co-pilot who allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe in an attempt to hijack and crash the flydubai Flight FZ1073 carrying 174 passengers, mostly Israelis, has been described as a ‘religious extremist’ by another fellow pilot who spoke to an Israeli newspaper. Israel has called the incident an attempted “jihadist terrorist attack” and has directed its security and intelligence agencies, including Mossad and Shin Bet to launch an investigation. According to a report by The Times of Israel, the fellow pilot, speaking to Israel’s Channel 16, said the Omani national had joined flydubai around eight months ago and that he prayed excessively throughout the day and even refused to shake hands with women. However, these allegations from a fellow pilot do not establish the co-pilot’s motive by themselves and will require a complete investigation by the relevant authorities. After initial Saudi probe, co-pilot to be handed over to UAE Reports say the initial probe is being conducted by Saudi Arabia, where the aircraft made its emergency landing, after which the co-pilot is expected to be handed over to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for further investigation. Meanwhile, an Omani official reportedly confirmed to US-based media that the attacker, whose name has not been released, was born in Oman and holds Omani citizenship. Saudi officials have confirmed that both crew members were hospitalised following the emergency landing at Tabuk Airport. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Thursday that the co-pilot is currently being questioned in Saudi Arabia. “He’ll be, I assume, moved very quickly to Dubai,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israeli authorities will “join the interrogation and find out what happened there exactly.” The UAE has separately ordered an investigation into the circumstances and motives behind the incident, including whether it was connected to terrorist activity or was planned in advance. Emirati authorities said that the UAE law applies to crimes committed aboard aircraft registered in the country, even when they occur outside its territory.

Israel called the incident an attempted jihadist terrorist attack and directed its security and intelligence agencies, including Mossad and Shin Bet to launch an investigation. The initial probe is being conducted by Saudi Arabia, after which the co-pilot will be handed over to the UAE.

Omani co-pilot showed extreme religious behaviour, refused to shake hands with women, reveals flydubai colleague

omani-co-pilot

Omani Co Pilot, News on Omani Co Pilot, stories on Omani Co Pilot, articles on Omani Co Pilot, Omani Co Pilot stories at Wion, Omani Co Pilot news, Omani Co Pilot latest news

omani co-pilot

Who is Hamam Al-Hammami? Omani co-pilot in Flydubai cockpit attack was already flagged over security concerns

Netanyahu says Omani flydubai copilot underwent Islamist radical indoctrination

Omani co-pilot showed extreme religious behaviour, reveals flydubai colleague