As per reports, Alhamami had repeatedly expressed support for Palestinians and hostility towards Israel. His alleged views are being examined as part of a wider investigation into possible Islamic radicalisation and terrorist motives
Because of concerns about his extremist views and subsequently left the country, al Arabiya English, citing sources, reported that Alhamami was prevented from flying in Oman. Because of those concerns but was later given another role at the airline, the report said, citing a regional diplomatic source familiar with the matter, he was removed from training.
It said he had spent much of his time outside Oman, particularly in Syria, where he was allegedly influenced by extremist ideas before travelling to the UAE. Further reports have raised questions about Alhamami’s alleged ideological views. i24 News, citing an Emirati source, reported that leaflets and publications from “Free Palestine” groups, along with other pro-Palestinian material, were found among his belongings. Alhamami had repeatedly expressed support for Palestinians and hostility towards Israel, according to i24 News. The report said investigators were examining the material as part of a broader probe into his alleged Islamic radicalisation and possible terrorist motives.
The Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar aboard a flydubai flight to Tel Aviv has been identified as Hamam Alhamami. He is accused of attacking Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv. Israeli officials were also expected to question him as part of the investigation.
Multiple reports say he had previously been barred from flying in Oman over concerns about his alleged extremist views. The revelations follow a CNN report that Alhamami had been removed from a training role at Oman Air, Oman’s national carrier, last year after concerns were raised about his radical views. Earlier reporting noted: Omani co-pilot linked to Flydubai cockpit attack identified Omani co-pilot linked to the Flydubai incident has been identified as Hamam Al-Hammami by Al Arabiya, citing sources. Earlier reporting noted: The plane was diverted and made an emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, northwestern Saudi Arabia. Earlier reporting noted: Saudi authorities detained the co-pilot before transferring him to the UAE.
An Israeli official told CNN that several agencies, including Shin Bet, Mossad, the military and the Transportation Ministry, were investigating how Alhamami came to be part of the flight crew. The reports have also raised questions about how Alhamami was cleared to serve on a Tel Aviv-bound flight despite being an Omani citizen. Oman does not recognise Israel and has no diplomatic relations with the country.
What happened aboard Flydubai flight
The September 30 incident took place aboard a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The confrontation triggered a steep descent, with the aircraft dropping approximately 16,000 feet within two minutes before a hijacking distress signal was transmitted. The plane subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with all 180 occupants disembarking safely.
The Jerusalem Post, citing sources close to the investigation, reported that he did not hold a second nationality. CNN reported that Alhamami had worked for Flydubai for only eight months.
Alhamami is an Omani citizen, according to the report. He was born in the United Arab Emirates to an Omani father and Syrian mother and spent several years of his life in the UAE. Alhamami was transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE after the aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk. He is facing a terrorism investigation in the UAE. Alhamami allegedly attacked Captain Machchhar inside the cockpit in what is being investigated as a possible terror-driven attempt to bring down the aircraft. Despite suffering severe injuries, Captain Machchhar resisted the attack and managed to open the cockpit door. Flight crew members and passengers then entered the cockpit and restrained Alhamami, allowing the crew to regain control of the aircraft. Two non-duty aviators who were travelling aboard the flight also helped assume control of the aircraft. You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.
He had previously worked for Royal Air Maroc, Morocco’s national carrier.