AP report: Axe-wielding FlyDubai co-pilot had been flagged over extremism concerns
Summary
An Omani co-pilot on a FlyDubai flight attacked the captain with an axe and tried to take control of the plane. The co-pilot had been barred from flying by Oman Air due to concerns about extremist views but was later hired by FlyDubai. The incident is under investigation by the UAE and other countries.Key Facts
- The co-pilot’s name is Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national.
- He attacked the flight captain with a crash axe and tried to take control of the plane carrying 182 people.
- Omani authorities had previously barred him from flying over concerns about extremist ideas.
- FlyDubai hired him after Oman Air moved him to an administrative role.
- Investigations involve security agencies from four Gulf countries, the UAE, U.S., and other Western governments.
- The co-pilot was born in the UAE, has a Syrian mother, and Omani father.
- It is unclear how deeply FlyDubai checked his background before hiring.
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said the co-pilot was “Islamist radicalized,” but no evidence was shown.
- The attack occurred shortly before the anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack and weeks before Israeli elections.
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