Who Is Hamam Al-Hammami? Flydubai Co-Pilot Accused of ‘9/11-Like’ Israel Crash Plot

Hamam al-Hammami, the 29-year-old Omani national accused of attacking Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit of Flydubai Flight FZ1073 on September 30, has come under intense scrutiny after multiple reports claimed he had been flagged for alleged radical views well before he was hired by the Dubai-based carrier. The flight, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was sent into a steep dive during the alleged attack, before Captain Machchhar, other crew members and passengers managed to restrain the co-pilot and regain control of the aircraft. Investigators are now trying to establish who al-Hammami is, how he ended up in the first officer's seat on an Israel-bound flight, and what his intent was.

Who Is Hamam al-Hammami?

According to reports citing CNN, al-Hammami was born in the UAE to an Omani father and a Syrian mother and spent several years of his life in the UAE. Sources cited by Al Arabiya English said he spent much of his time outside Oman, particularly in Syria, where he was allegedly influenced by extremist ideas before travelling to the UAE. Flydubai Cockpit Attack: Omani Co-Pilot Identified as Hamam al-Hammami.

Education Background

A biography page believed to belong to him indicated that he studied aviation management at a British university and engineering at an Australian university. A source at Buckinghamshire New University confirmed to ABC News that he completed a three-year distance-learning aviation management course and graduated in 2023. The university said he did not receive any pilot training there. Flydubai Attack: Co-Pilot Was Previously Barred From Flying in Oman Over Radical Views, Report Says.

Grounded By Oman Air In 2024

The Wall Street Journal and ABC News reported that Oman Air suspended him from flying in 2024 after identifying him as a security risk. Sources told ABC News that he was a co-pilot trainee at the time and was found in possession of extremist materials. Fox News, citing a source, reported that he had been visiting radical Islamic websites.

CNN's regional diplomatic source said he was removed from training over concerns about his views, but was later given another role at the airline. ABC News reported that this was an administrative position.

How Did He Join Flydubai?

The Fox News source claimed he later moved to Dubai and that Flydubai did not check with Oman Air before hiring him. The Wall Street Journal reported that it was unclear whether Omani officials had shared their concerns with other countries or airlines. The gap in vetting is now a key part of the probe.

Alleged Radicalisation And Intent

Israel's Channel 12 reported that investigators found he had undergone indoctrination into al-Qaeda's ideology and had met religious figures as part of that process. Israel's i24NEWS, citing an Emirati source, reported that pro-Palestinian and 'Free Palestine' material was found among his belongings, and that he had repeatedly expressed hostility towards Israel.

Both i24NEWS and ABC News, citing sources, reported that he told investigators he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the suspect had undergone 'Islamist radicalization' and that authorities were examining whether he was sent by someone else.

What Happened On Flight FZ1073?

The aircraft dropped around 16,000 feet in two minutes before a hijacking distress signal was transmitted. Despite serious injuries, Captain Machchhar resisted the attacker and managed to unlatch the cockpit door. Crew members and passengers then entered and restrained the co-pilot. Two off-duty aviators on board helped steady the aircraft, which made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All 180 occupants disembarked without injury.

Current Status Of The Case

Al-Hammami was transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE, where he faces a terrorism investigation and is reportedly cooperating with authorities. Flydubai has temporarily suspended Tel Aviv operations at the request of authorities. Official findings on his background, hiring and previous employment remain subject to the ongoing investigation, and the claims above are based on media reports citing unnamed sources.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 03, 2026 08:40 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).