A major aviation-security controversy has emerged after Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national, allegedly attacked the captain of Flight FZ1073 and attempted to take control of the aircraft while it was flying from Dubai to Israel. Passengers and crew intervened, and the aircraft eventually made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Investigators say Hammami had previously been removed from flying duties at Oman Air after authorities reportedly became concerned about extremist views. He was reportedly moved to an administrative role and later left the airline. He subsequently underwent training with Royal Air Maroc but was not hired, before joining Flydubai in February 2026.
The case has raised a critical question: How was he able to obtain another commercial pilot position despite the earlier concerns? Reports indicate that Flydubai conducted standard background checks, but it remains unclear whether the airline was informed about the concerns previously raised by Omani authorities.
According to reports from the investigation, Hammami later acknowledged that he intended to deliberately crash the aircraft. Authorities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel are continuing to investigate his motives and whether anyone else was involved.
The incident has now triggered wider scrutiny of international pilot screening, intelligence sharing and aviation-security procedures, particularly when pilots move between airlines and countries.
The Bharatio Times | Global News
Investigators say Hammami had previously been removed from flying duties at Oman Air after authorities reportedly became concerned about extremist views. He was reportedly moved to an administrative role and later left the airline. He subsequently underwent training with Royal Air Maroc but was not hired, before joining Flydubai in February 2026.
The case has raised a critical question: How was he able to obtain another commercial pilot position despite the earlier concerns? Reports indicate that Flydubai conducted standard background checks, but it remains unclear whether the airline was informed about the concerns previously raised by Omani authorities.
According to reports from the investigation, Hammami later acknowledged that he intended to deliberately crash the aircraft. Authorities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel are continuing to investigate his motives and whether anyone else was involved.
The incident has now triggered wider scrutiny of international pilot screening, intelligence sharing and aviation-security procedures, particularly when pilots move between airlines and countries.
The Bharatio Times | Global News