Flydubai cockpit attack: accused co-pilot was suspended by Oman Air in 2024

The cockpit attack on Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv in Israel, has taken an international turn. Shocking details have emerged about the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the flight's Indian captain, Smit Machhar. The accused co-pilot had earlier worked at Oman Air, which suspended him on grounds of national and aviation security.

The accused co-pilot is named Hammam Al Hamami. In 2024 he was working at Oman Air as a trainee co-pilot. A security check at the time reportedly found extremist material in his possession. Oman Air then suspended him from flying duties immediately. He was not dismissed from the company, however, and was kept only in an administrative or desk role.

How a man with such a background joined an international airline like Flydubai as a first officer has now become the main question in the investigation. The incident has raised serious questions about security screening and background verification of staff at aviation systems worldwide.

The incident took place on Wednesday, September 30. Flydubai flight FZ1073 was flying from Dubai towards Tel Aviv with 182 passengers and crew. While the aircraft was in the air, Hamami is alleged to have launched a murderous knife attack on the commanding captain, Smit Machhar, in the cockpit. Captain Machhar was seriously injured. In the chaos the aircraft lost control and began descending rapidly towards the ground, causing panic among passengers.

Though seriously hurt and bleeding, Captain Machhar did not give up. Realising the aircraft was about to crash, he opened the cockpit door without regard for his own life. As soon as the door opened, alert passengers and cabin crew rushed in, overpowered the violent suspect and tied him up. Control of the aircraft could then be regained.

The aircraft was then diverted to Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia, where it made a safe emergency landing. All 182 passengers and crew on board remained safe, averting a major tragedy. The injured Captain Machhar was given medical treatment immediately. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to him over the phone, enquired about his health and praised his courage.

On Thursday, the Saudi Arabian authorities handed the accused, Hamami, over to the police of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). UAE prosecutors and international investigating agencies are now examining the incident closely. They are looking into whether the attack was the act of a deranged individual or whether an international terrorist organisation or a premeditated conspiracy lay behind it. Documents and security lapses at every stage, from Oman Air to Flydubai, are being examined.