Grounded in Oman over ‘radical views’, then hired by flydubai: What we know about Omani pilot Hamam al-Hammami

According to reports citing security and intelligence sources, al-Hammami, now named, had been identified as a security concern while associated with Oman Air, yet later obtained flying roles elsewhere and was serving as flydubai’s co-pilot when he allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar on the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight on September 30.

As investigators examine the attack and its possible motive, the central question is how earlier security concerns were handled, communicated and ultimately cleared the path to the cockpit of a passenger aircraft.

ABC reported that several officials informed the publication that al-Hammami was found in possession of extremist materials while he was working as a co-pilot trainee for Oman Air in 2024.

Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami. Photo: Screen-grab

Al-Hammami was reportedly removed from flight training but was allowed to continue working for the airline in an administrative role.

Officials are now reportedly investigating how the suspected attacker was subsequently allowed to fly for flydubai and eventually became the first officer on the Tel Aviv-bound flight.

The probe is examining how al-Hammami was able to obtain a position in the cockpit of a passenger aircraft despite the earlier concerns reportedly raised during his time with Oman Air.

Al-Hammami was transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE on Thursday and is reportedly cooperating with investigators. ABC reported, citing officials, that he had also indicated that he wanted to crash the plane in Israel.

Representatives of flydubai, Oman Air and the Embassy of Oman are yet to respond to the reports.

What happened aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073?

The incident took place on September 30 aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was allegedly attacked by his Omani co-pilot inside the cockpit during the flight.

Machchhar sustained serious injuries in the alleged attack but managed to retain control of the aircraft. He was later evacuated for medical treatment as authorities began investigating the incident.

Smit Machchhar was bleeding profusely in the cockpit. Photo: Screen-grab

According to reports, the aircraft had nearly 180 people on board when the alleged attack took place.

Machchhar later spoke about the ordeal, including his efforts to prevent the aircraft from being brought down.

He told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he recited the Hanuman Chalisa during the cockpit struggle as he sought courage to deal with the situation.

Machchhar was subsequently airlifted to Abu Dhabi for further medical treatment and was reported to be in stable condition.

The investigation is now focusing not only on what happened inside the cockpit but also on al-Hammami's background, his previous aviation employment and the security concerns reportedly identified during his training.

The latest revelations have therefore raised questions about whether information concerning al-Hammami was adequately assessed and communicated before he was allowed to take up another flying role.