Who Is Hamam Al-Hammami? Flydubai Co-Pilot Accused Of Attacking Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar

The Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv has been identified as Hamam Al-Hammami, according to reports citing sources familiar with the investigation.

The incident occurred aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit. Investigators are examining Al-Hammami’s background, including reports that he had previously been flagged as a security concern while working with Oman Air.

Previously Removed From Flight Training In Oman

According to ABC News and other reports, Al-Hammami had previously been identified as a security risk while working with Oman Air and was removed from flight training in 2024 over concerns about his alleged radical views. He was subsequently assigned another role at the airline, according to officials cited by ABC News.

Reports also say Al-Hammami spent considerable time outside Oman, including in Syria, where he was allegedly exposed to extremist ideas before later travelling to the UAE. These claims are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.

Questions are now being raised about how he was subsequently able to obtain employment with Flydubai and operate as a co-pilot on the sensitive Dubai-Tel Aviv route.

What Happened On The Flydubai Flight?

Flydubai Flight FZ1073 departed Dubai International Airport for Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv with more than 170 people aboard.

Around two hours into the flight, while the aircraft was flying over Saudi Arabia at high altitude, Al-Hammami allegedly attacked and stabbed Captain Machchhar.

Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to regain access to the cockpit and open the door. Passengers and crew members then intervened and helped restrain the attacker.

The aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia and made an emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk.

The passengers and crew survived the incident. Both pilots were taken for medical treatment, while the passengers were later transported to Israel on another aircraft. Reports said Saudi authorities detained the co-pilot before he was transferred to the UAE.

Investigation Into Co-Pilot’s Motive

Authorities in the UAE have opened an investigation into the incident, including whether it was connected to terrorist activity. Israeli officials have also been investigating the co-pilot’s background.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said preliminary information indicated that the co-pilot may have undergone Islamist radicalisation. However, investigators have not publicly established a definitive motive or confirmed any link to a particular organisation.

Reports have also raised questions about alleged extremist material and posts linked to Al-Hammami’s online accounts. Some of those accounts have since been deleted, while investigators continue examining the material.

Captain Smit Machchhar Praised For His Actions

Captain Smit Machchhar has received widespread praise in India and Israel for his actions during the emergency.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Machchhar’s wife and parents and later spoke to the injured pilot during his recovery.

“India’s captain Smit used his presence of mind and courage,” Modi said, praising the pilot’s actions and urging people to pray for his recovery.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised Machchhar, describing his actions during the crisis as an act of “unbelievable courage.”

Machchhar, despite suffering serious injuries, managed to open the cockpit door and allow others to intervene, helping prevent the aircraft from continuing its dangerous descent.

Key Questions Under Investigation

The Flydubai incident has raised several questions for investigators, including:

• How did Al-Hammami pass the security and employment checks required to join Flydubai?
• Why was he reportedly removed from flight training in Oman over security concerns?
• What prompted the alleged mid-air attack on Captain Machchhar?
• Was the incident linked to extremist ideology or a broader organisation?
• Were there any warning signs before Al-Hammami was assigned to the Dubai-Tel Aviv route?

Investigations involving authorities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel and other countries are continuing, and the final motive has yet to be officially established.