The Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian pilot Smit Machchhar during a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv has reportedly been identified as 29-year-old Hamam Al-Hammami.
New reports have brought scrutiny on Al-Hammami’s reported past in Syria, his previous aviation career and allegations that he had been exposed to extremist ideology. However, UAE authorities have not officially confirmed his identity or background so far.
What do reports say about Al-Hammami’s background?
Sources cited by Al Arabiya claimed that Al-Hammami had spent significant periods outside Oman, including time in Syria, where he was allegedly exposed to extremist ideas.
The sources further claimed that Oman later prevented him from flying because of concerns surrounding his views. Following the reported flying restriction, Al-Hammami allegedly moved to the UAE and subsequently joined Flydubai.
Other reports have also raised questions about his earlier aviation career. CNN reported that he had been removed from training with Oman’s national airline over concerns about his views. Fox News separately reported that he was grounded in 2024 after allegedly accessing radical Islamic websites.
Were extremist links being investigated?
Israeli media have reported that investigators are examining possible extremist connections involving Al-Hammami.
Channel 12 reported that investigators believe he may have been indoctrinated into Al-Qaeda’s ideology and had interacted with religious figures during that process. Meanwhile, i24NEWS, citing sources familiar with the investigation, reported that Al-Hammami told investigators he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel. The report said such an act could potentially have caused mass casualties.
These claims have not been independently established, and the investigation remains ongoing.
What happened aboard the Flydubai flight?
The incident reportedly occurred on September 30, when Al-Hammami allegedly attacked and stabbed Indian pilot Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit.
The attack reportedly caused the Boeing 737 to enter a steep descent. Despite being injured, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing other crew members and passengers to intervene. Two off-duty pilots who were travelling on the aircraft also reportedly assisted in regaining control of the plane.
The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
What happened to the co-pilot?
Following the incident, Al-Hammami was transferred to the UAE, where the investigation is continuing. The case has raised questions over how he was able to obtain commercial pilot employment in the UAE despite the allegations concerning his earlier aviation career and reported views.
However, UAE authorities have not publicly confirmed his identity, previous employment history or the allegations surrounding his background. The investigation remains underway as authorities examine what led to the cockpit attack and how the incident unfolded.
