Flydubai Attack: Co-Pilot Was Previously Barred From Flying in Oman Over Radical Views, Report Says

The Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain and attempting to take control of an Israel-bound passenger flight had previously been barred from flying in Oman over concerns about his alleged radical views, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The revelation has raised questions about how the pilot was later hired by the UAE-based airline and cleared to operate a flight to Tel Aviv.

Co-Pilot Had Worked With Oman Air

The pilot, identified in reports as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, had reportedly been undergoing pilot training with Oman Air in 2024 when concerns about his activities emerged.

According to reports citing officials, authorities discovered extremist material in his possession. He was subsequently grounded from flying and moved to an administrative role at the airline. He later left Oman Air. Donald Trump Says ‘It’s Possible’ Flydubai Pilot Linked to Iran’s IRGC (Video).

The Wall Street Journal reported that Oman had previously prohibited him from flying because of concerns over his ideological views. It remains unclear what information was shared with Flydubai when he was subsequently employed by the UAE-based carrier.

Attack Aboard Flydubai Flight

The incident took place aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with more than 170 people on board.

The co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit. The aircraft then entered a steep descent before the captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and other crew members to intervene. Flydubai Co-Pilot Discussed Killing Jews on Social Media, Israeli Official Says.

Passengers subdued the co-pilot while two pilots who had been travelling in the passenger cabin helped regain control of the aircraft. The plane was subsequently diverted and made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Captain Machchhar, an Indian national, was injured in the attack but survived.

Investigation Into Possible Motive

The UAE is leading the investigation into the incident, with Saudi, Israeli, US and Omani authorities involved in different aspects of the inquiry.

The co-pilot was transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE for further questioning. Investigators are examining his background and possible motive for the attack.

Israeli officials have said investigators believe the suspect underwent Islamist radicalisation and may have intended to bring down the aircraft. However, the investigation into the exact motive and circumstances remains ongoing.

There has also been speculation about possible involvement by Iran, but Israeli officials have said there is currently no confirmed evidence linking Tehran to the incident.

Questions Over Pilot Vetting

The revelation about the pilot's previous grounding in Oman has intensified scrutiny of aviation security and the procedures used to vet flight crew members.

A key question for investigators is how a person who had previously been identified as a security concern in Oman was subsequently able to obtain employment as a commercial pilot in the UAE.

The case has also highlighted the challenge posed by insider threats in aviation. Cockpit security measures are primarily designed to prevent unauthorised people from entering the flight deck, while the Flydubai incident allegedly involved a threat from within the cockpit.

Investigators are expected to examine the pilot's employment history, background checks, communications and possible contacts to determine whether the attack was planned independently or involved other individuals.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 03, 2026 07:31 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).