FlyDubai co-pilot identified as security risk attempted to crash flight, prompting investigations into his background and motivations
Al Hammami had been suspended in 2024 for possessing extremist materials but was later employed in an administrative capacity.
The United Arab Emirates Attorney General confirmed he had used a crash axe to assault the pilot in an apparent terrorist act.
Incident details
Ongoing investigations will focus on how he was permitted to fly for FlyDubai.
Al Hammami is reportedly cooperating with authorities and aimed to crash the plane in Israel.
FlyDubai released a statement affirming its commitment to support the investigation.
The airline has temporarily halted operations to Tel Aviv at the request of authorities.
Passengers restrained Al Hammami, and the flight, led by Captain Smit Machchhar, landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
An Israeli passenger, Yaniv Hayoun, helped regain control of the aircraft during the crisis.
Dr. Shota Musaev, another passenger, recounted the attacker begging for his life.
Israeli officials will participate in the questioning of Al Hammami moving forward.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the suspect underwent “Islamist radicalization.”
Al Hammami has a degree in aviation management from a British university and studied engineering in Australia.
He had previously undergone training with Royal Air Maroc but was not hired afterward.
Australian federal police are investigating his suspected links to Australia, with updates promised in due course.
