FlyDubai co-pilot tried to hijack Tel Aviv flight, UAE says
The FlyDubai co-pilot attacked his captain with an emergency axe and attempted to seize control of a Tel Aviv-bound aircraft during a “terrorist attack,” the United Arab Emirates prosecutor general said.
State news agency WAM reported the announcement following preliminary findings from regional authorities. The carrier’s Boeing aircraft was forced to divert mid-flight following the violent cockpit altercation.
Inquiry focuses on extremist links
Sources cited by the Associated Press and Reuters identified the suspect as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national. Investigators are currently determining whether the co-pilot acted alone or operated in coordination with extremist networks.
A Gulf diplomat confirmed that regional security agencies are reviewing the suspect's communications and operational background. International security services are also assessing how the pilot bypassed standard aviation vetting procedures.
Screening lapses under scrutiny
The Wall Street Journal first reported that authorities in Oman had previously barred al-Hammami from flying over suspected extremist sympathies. Despite those restrictions, the Dubai-based carrier subsequently hired him.
It remains unclear how thoroughly FlyDubai vetted al-Hammami during his recruitment process. Israeli authorities have since reinforced security protocols for all inbound commercial flights operating from the Gulf region.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
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