Flydubai Co-Pilot Had Been Barred From Flying in Oman Over Extremist Concerns

The co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a flydubai flight bound for Israel had previously been barred from flying in Oman over concerns about his alleged extremist views, according to multiple media reports.

The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The co-pilot, identified in reports as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked the Indian captain during the flight.

The captain reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to overpower the co-pilot. The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, with no passenger injuries reported.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the suspect had undergone what he described as “Islamist radical indoctrination” and had allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft.

The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, reported that Omani authorities had previously banned the pilot from flying because of concerns over his alleged radical ideological views.

CNN also reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter, that the pilot had been removed from his position at Oman’s national airline last year over concerns about extremist views.

Meanwhile, Al Arabiya, citing an informed source, reported that Omani authorities had determined that the co-pilot held extremist views. The broadcaster also said he had spent time in Syria, raising concerns that he may have been influenced by radical groups there.

ABC News, citing senior intelligence and law-enforcement officials familiar with the investigation, reported that the suspect had allegedly been found in possession of extremist materials while he was undergoing training.

Investigations into the incident and the suspect’s alleged motives are continuing.

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