https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=PbvBharatpedia - User contributions [en]2026-10-15T16:02:10ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.43.6https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hamam_al-Hammami&diff=565840Hamam al-Hammami2026-10-05T04:12:50Z<p>Pbv: Native name surname original: الحمامي new: الهمامي</p>
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<div>{{Short description|Omani airline pilot and terrorism suspect (born c. 1997)}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2026}}<br />
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{{Infobox person<br />
| name = Hamam al-Hammami<br />
| native_name = {{lang|ar|همام الهمامي}}<br />
| image = Hamam al-Hammami (original).png<br />
| caption = <br />
| birth_name = Hamam al-Hammami{{efn|Not to be confused with the [[Saudis|Saudi]] soccer player [[Hammam Al-Hammami]]|name=confusion}}<br />
| birth_date = {{circa}} 1997<br />
| birth_place = [[United Arab Emirates]]<br />
| nationality = [[Oman]]i<br />
| citizenship = Oman<br />
| education = [[Buckinghamshire New University]] (aviation management, 2023)<br />
| occupation = Airline pilot (former co-pilot)<br />
| years_active = 2018–2026<br />
| employer = [[Flydubai]] (2026)<br />
| known_for = Perpetrator of the [[Flydubai Flight 1073]] cockpit attack<br />
| criminal_charges = Terrorism-related offenses (under investigation in the [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]])<br />
| criminal_status = In custody<br />
| parents = Omani father, Syrian mother<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Hamam al-Hammami''' ({{langx|ar|هَمَّام الهمّامي}}; born {{circa}} 1997) is an Omani national and former commercial airline pilot who was the co-pilot on [[Flydubai Flight 1073]] on 30 September 2026. He attacked the flight's captain, Indian national [[Smit Machchhar]], inside the cockpit with a crash axe in an attempt to take control of the aircraft and crash it in Israel.<ref name="TASS">{{cite news |title=Co-pilot who attacked captain on Flydubai flight identified as Omani national |url=https://tass.com/emergencies/2197029 |work=[[TASS]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="BBC-axe">{{cite news |title=Flydubai co-pilot attacked captain with axe, UAE official says |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c61wv7lgex13o |work=[[BBC News]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="NBC">{{cite news |title=Flydubai pilot attacked captain with cockpit's crash axe in attempted terrorist attack, UAE says |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/flydubai-pilot-attacked-captain-cockpits-crash-axe-attempted-terrorist-rcna601259 |work=[[NBC News]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> The incident, which occurred on a flight from [[Dubai]] to [[Tel Aviv]], resulted in an emergency landing in [[Tabuk]], [[Saudi Arabia]], and has been officially designated by UAE authorities as an attempted "terrorist attack."<ref name="Reuters-axe">{{cite news |title=Flydubai co-pilot attacked pilot with axe, attempted 'terrorist attack', UAE says |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/1705394/flydubai-co-pilot-attacked-pilot-with-axe-attempted-terrorist-attack-uae-says |work=[[Reuters]] |via=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="ABC-aus">{{cite news |title=Co-pilot involved in mid-flight 'terror' attack had been barred from flying |url=https://newsapp.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-03/sources-say-omani-co-pilot-had-extreme-views/107225300 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><br />
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== Early life and education ==<br />
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Al-Hammami was born in the [[United Arab Emirates]] to an Omani father and a Syrian mother, and he spent several years of his life in the UAE.<ref name="CNN">{{cite news |title=Terrorist images found on Flydubai suspect's social media |url=https://www.cnn.com/2026/10/02/world/flydubai-attacker-pilot-intl |work=[[CNN]] |date=2 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> He held only Omani citizenship and did not possess a second nationality.<ref name="TOI">{{cite news |title=Flydubai attack: Co-pilot identified as Hamam Alhamami was barred from flying in Oman over 'extremist views' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/flydubai-attack-suspect-identified-as-hamam-alhamami-was-barred-from-oman-air-over-extremist-concerns/articleshow/134650245.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> According to a regional official, how he obtained Omani nationality was not immediately clear.<ref name="Mirror">{{cite news |title=FlyDubai live: Co-pilot who 'attacked captain' had studied with UK university |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/flydubai-flight-hamam-al-hammami-37730503 |work=[[Daily Mirror]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><br />
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He completed a three-year distance-learning course in [[aviation management]] at [[Buckinghamshire New University]] in England, graduating in 2023. The university confirmed that a man with the same name completed the course but did not take any pilot training there.<ref name="BBC-axe"/><ref name="HT">{{cite news |title=Flying ban in Oman, spent time in Syria, held 'radical views': What we know about flydubai co-pilot |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/flying-ban-in-oman-spent-time-in-syria-held-radical-views-what-we-know-about-flydubai-co-pilot-101696314889738.html |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="Mirror"/><br />
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== Aviation career ==<br />
=== Oman Air ===<br />
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Al-Hammami worked at [[Oman Air]], Oman's national carrier, for approximately seven years, leaving in February 2025.<ref name="CNN" /> During his time there, he was a co-pilot trainee. In 2024, he was removed from flight training after concerns arose about his alleged radical views, and he was subsequently assigned an administrative role within the airline.<ref name="TASS" /><ref name="CNN" /><br />
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According to CBS News, citing sources, concerns over al-Hammami surfaced while he was undergoing pilot training with Oman Air. Omani government surveillance allegedly detected that he had visited radical websites.<ref name="Statesman">{{cite news |title=El Al aircraft, al-Qaeda figures: Inside Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami's troubling LinkedIn posts |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/world/el-al-aircraft-al-qaeda-figures-inside-flydubai-co-pilot-hamam-al-hammamis-troubling-linkedin-posts-1503646302.html |work=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> Fox News, citing a source familiar with the matter, reported that Oman Air grounded him in 2024 after discovering that he had been visiting radical Islamic websites.<ref name="Statesman" /> The Wall Street Journal separately reported that Oman had banned him from flying over concerns that he had adopted radical ideological views.<ref name="TOI" /><ref name="WSJ">{{cite news |title=Oman banned FlyDubai co-pilot from flying due to his extremist religious views |url=https://theprint.in/world/oman-banned-flydubai-co-pilot-from-flying-due-to-his-extremist-religious-views-wsj-report-reveals/3060750/ |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |via=[[ThePrint]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><br />
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According to ABC News, citing intelligence and law-enforcement officials, extremist material was found in his possession while he was a trainee co-pilot in 2024.<ref name="TASS" /><ref name="ABC-aus"/> One source told CBS News that al-Hammami later resigned after being shifted to desk duties.<ref name="Statesman" /><br />
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=== Royal Air Maroc ===<br />
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After leaving Oman Air, al-Hammami joined [[Royal Air Maroc]], Morocco's national carrier, in June 2025. He departed from the airline in January 2026, according to a now-deleted LinkedIn profile bearing his name. One source confirmed that the profile belonged to the Flydubai pilot in the 30 September incident.<ref name="CNN" /><ref name="TimesNow">{{cite news |title=Hamam al-Hammami: Terrorist Images Found On Flydubai Omani Co-Pilot's LinkedIn Page, Spent Time In Syria |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/world/middle-east/hamam-al-hammami-terrorist-images-found-on-flydubai-omani-co-pilots-linkedin-page-spent-time-in-syria-article-156265960 |work=[[Times Now]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> Royal Air Maroc has reportedly said he underwent only theoretical training there and did not fly for the airline.<ref name="ArabTimes">{{cite news |title=Flydubai Co-Pilot Had Previously Been Removed From Oman Air Role Over Extremism Concerns: CNN |url=https://www.arabtimesonline.com/news/flydubai-co-pilot-had-previously-been-removed-from-oman-air-role-over-extremism-concerns-cnn/ |work=[[Arab Times]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><br />
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=== Flydubai ===<br />
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Al-Hammami was hired by [[Flydubai]], a Dubai-based low-cost carrier, and had been working there for approximately eight months before the incident. An Israeli official confirmed his tenure with the airline to CNN.<ref name="CNN" /><br />
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His hiring by Flydubai despite the earlier security concerns at Oman Air has raised significant questions about background checks and the sharing of security information between airlines and countries.<ref name="IE">{{cite news |title=Flydubai attack: Omani pilot identified, was flagged as security risk in 2024 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/world/flydubai-fz1073-hamam-alhamami-who-is-omani-co-pilot-10904573/ |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> The Wall Street Journal reported that it was not clear whether Oman had shared information about its concerns with the UAE or Flydubai.<ref name="TOI" /> Sources cited by CBS News said no formal background check involving the Omani government was carried out before his employment with Flydubai.<ref name="Statesman" /> According to a Jerusalem Post report, Flydubai has an explicit clause stating that all its pilots must be from countries that have normalised relations with Israel; Oman does not have diplomatic relations with Israel.<ref name="Print">{{cite news |title=Oman banned FlyDubai co-pilot from flying due to his extremist religious views, WSJ report reveals |url=https://theprint.in/world/oman-banned-flydubai-co-pilot-from-flying-due-to-his-extremist-religious-views-wsj-report-reveals/3060750/ |work=[[ThePrint]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><br />
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== Flydubai Flight 1073 incident ==<br />
<br />
{{main|Flydubai Flight 1073}}<br />
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On 30 September 2026, al-Hammami was serving as co-pilot on [[Flydubai Flight 1073]], a [[Boeing 737 MAX 8]] flying from [[Dubai International Airport]] to [[Tel Aviv]]'s [[Ben Gurion Airport]] with more than 170 passengers and crew on board, including four pilots.<ref name="Reuters-axe"/><ref name="DW">{{cite news |title=UAE investigators say Flydubai co-pilot attacked captain with ax in attempted 'terrorist' act |url=https://www.dw.com/en/flydubai-co-pilot-attempted-terrorist-attack-uae-says/a-79526641 |work=[[Deutsche Welle]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="NBC"/> During the flight, he attacked Captain [[Smit Machchhar]] inside the cockpit with a crash axe, a tool typically kept in the cockpit for use during emergencies such as crashes.<ref name="BBC-axe"/><ref name="Reuters-axe"/><ref name="News18-axe">{{cite news |title=Knife Or Crash Axe? What Weapon The Omani Co-Pilot Used To Attack Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar |url=https://www.news18.com/world/knife-or-crash-axe-what-weapon-the-omani-co-pilot-used-to-attack-flydubai-captain-smit-machchhar-ws-l-10362637.html |work=[[News18]] |date=1 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> The crash axe is primarily used to break open the cockpit door if it gets jammed after a crash.<ref name="News18-axe"/> The attack caused the aircraft to enter a steep descent, dropping approximately 16,625 feet (5,200 metres) in just over 30 seconds while flying over Saudi Arabia.<ref name="Reuters-axe"/><ref name="ABC-aus"/> A hijacking distress signal was transmitted during the struggle.<ref name="TOI" /><br />
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Despite his injuries, Captain Machchhar fought back and managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and restrain al-Hammami.<ref name="BBC">{{cite news |title='I was not going to let others die' - pilot of Flydubai flight describes cockpit attack by co-pilot |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c639m98gde00o |work=[[BBC News]] |date=2 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> The captain was badly wounded and repeatedly stabbed but used his remaining energy to unlock the cockpit door.<ref name="TBS">{{cite news |title=Co-pilot used cockpit crash axe to attack Flydubai captain |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/world/co-pilot-used-cockpit-crash-axe-attack-flydubai-captain-1264731 |work=[[The Business Standard]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="IrishTimes">{{cite news |title=Flydubai co-pilot attacked captain with axe, UAE says |url=https://staging.irishtimes.com/world/middle-east/2026/10/03/flydubai-co-pilot-attacked-captain-with-axe-uae-says/ |work=[[The Irish Times]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> A reserve Flydubai pilot travelling on the flight took control of the aircraft and landed it safely at [[Tabuk Regional Airport]] in north-western Saudi Arabia, where al-Hammami was detained by Saudi authorities.<ref name="Reuters-axe"/><ref name="ABC-aus"/> Israeli Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] later said that after the attacker was subdued, he called out "Kill me, kill me!", indicating suicidal intent.<ref name="BBC-axe"/><br />
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== Alleged radicalization and motives ==<br />
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=== Extremist materials and online activity ===<br />
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According to Israel's Channel 12, investigators believe al-Hammami had undergone a process of indoctrination into "al-Qaeda's ideology" and had met unspecified religious figures during his radicalization.<ref name="IE" /><ref name="Mathrubhumi">{{cite news |title=Flydubai co-pilot's past under scrutiny: Al-Qaeda ideology, Syria link and Oman flying ban |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/world/flydubai-co-pilot-hamam-alhamami-al-qaeda-radicalisation-o1304g47 |work=[[Mathrubhumi]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="ABP">{{cite news |title=First Image Of Omani Co-Pilot Hamam Al Hamami Who Nearly Crashed Flydubai Plane Emerges |url=https://news.abplive.com/news/world/first-image-of-omani-co-pilot-hamam-al-hamami-who-nearly-crashed-flydubai-plane-emerges-1779499 |work=[[ABP Live]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> The reported period he spent in Syria is also being examined as part of that history.<ref name="Mathrubhumi" /><br />
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Two posts appeared on a LinkedIn profile bearing his name approximately nine hours after the incident. The first post featured clips filmed in the cockpits of Boeing 737 Max aircraft, including footage geolocated to Dubai International Airport showing an [[El Al]] aircraft. The video ended with photos of [[Ayman al-Zawahiri]], who led al-Qaeda after the death of [[Osama bin Laden]], and [[Humam Khalil Abu-Mulal al-Balawi]], a Jordanian double agent who killed seven CIA officers in a 2009 suicide bombing. The second post was an AI-generated image of Islam's three holiest sites, accompanied by a poem about rejecting humiliation and not fearing death.<ref name="CNN" /><ref name="IE" /><ref name="Statesman" /> The same videos were also posted around the same time to an Instagram account bearing al-Hammami's name and photographs; that account was later deleted.<ref name="TimesNow" /> A second post featured an AI-generated image of [[Mecca]], [[Medina]] and [[Jerusalem]], Islam's three holiest sites, accompanied by a poem about rejecting humiliation, not fearing death and defending one's dignity.<ref name="Haaretz">{{cite news |title=Report: Flydubai Suspect Shared al-Qaida Imagery, Israeli Planes on Social Media |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-security/2026-10-03/ty-article/report-flydubai-suspects-social-media-showed-israeli-planes-al-qaida-figures/000001a1-00a7-d039-afb7-ada7ec010000 |work=[[Haaretz]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><br />
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CNN analysed nearly 3,000 deleted Twitter posts attributed to al-Hammami, primarily from 2021 to 2022, which showed frequent references to religious issues and strict views about women. In a 2022 post, he stated that his mother had difficulty finding a wife for him because he required his future wife to wear a [[niqab]] and quit working after marriage. Other posts criticized mixed-gender work environments.<ref name="CNN" /><ref name="NDTV">{{cite news |title='Terrorist' Posts, Misogynistic Views Key In flydubai Omani Co-Pilot Probe |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/terrorist-posts-misogynistic-views-key-in-flydubai-omani-co-pilot-hamam-al-hammami-probe-flydubai-incident-indian-pilot-captain-smit-machchhar-dubai-t-12132632 |work=[[NDTV]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> One 2022 post said: "How many respectable, religious girls have been ruined in mixed-gender work environments and manipulated?"<ref name="Haaretz"/> The posts reflected strongly religious and misogynistic views.<ref name="Haaretz"/><br />
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=== Time in Syria ===<br />
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Al Arabiya English reported that al-Hammami spent much of his time outside Oman, particularly in [[Syria]], where he was allegedly influenced by extremist ideas before moving to the UAE. This period is being examined as part of the investigation into his radicalization.<ref name="TOI" /><ref name="News18">{{cite news |title=Flydubai Omani Co-Pilot Identified; Fresh Details Emerge On Syria Links, Extremist Views |url=https://www.news18.com/world/flydubai-omani-co-pilot-identified-fresh-details-emerge-on-syria-links-extremist-views-ws-l-10365224.html |work=[[News18]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> i24NEWS, citing an Emirati source, reported that leaflets and publications associated with "Free Palestine" groups, along with other pro-Palestinian material, were found among his belongings, and that he had repeatedly expressed support for Palestinians and hostility towards Israel.<ref name="TOI" /><ref name="Mathrubhumi" /><ref name="MidDay">{{cite news |title='Free Palestine' material reportedly found with Omani co-pilot |url=https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/flydubai-flight-incident-free-palestine-material-reportedly-found-with-omani-co-pilot-23450048 |work=[[Mid-Day]] |date=2 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> The presence of political material, by itself, does not establish involvement in terrorism.<ref name="StatesmanRadical">{{cite news |title=Syria to Flydubai cockpit: Radicalisation trail of Tel Aviv flight suspect comes under probe |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/world/syria-to-flydubai-cockpit-radicalisation-trail-of-tel-aviv-flight-suspect-comes-under-probe-1503646248.html |work=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><br />
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=== Stated intent ===<br />
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According to ABC News, citing sources familiar with the investigation, al-Hammami has cooperated with investigators and stated that he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel.<ref name="TASS" /><ref name="News18"/> Israeli Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] said the suspect was believed to have undergone "Islamist radical indoctrination" and appeared suicidal, though he said a motive had not yet been established.<ref name="CNN" /><ref name="BBC-axe"/> Israel's i24NEWS, citing sources briefed on the investigation, reported that the co-pilot told investigators he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel, a plan that had it succeeded could have resulted in a "9/11-like tragedy."<ref name="News18" /><ref name="Freepress">{{cite news |title=From Al-Qaeda Indoctrination To '9/11-Like' Israel Crash Plot: Inside Flydubai Co-Pilot Hamam Alhamami's Alleged Plan To Bring Down Tel Aviv-Bound Flight |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/from-al-qaeda-indoctrination-to-911-like-israel-crash-plot-inside-flydubai-co-pilot-hamam-alhamamis-alleged-plan-to-bring-down-tel-aviv-bound-flight |work=[[Free Press Journal]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> Netanyahu told Fox News: "As time passes, the picture becomes clearer: the attacker had undergone Islamist radicalization. He came to crash the plane, along with its passengers."<ref name="NBC"/> Netanyahu's spokesman, Doron Spielman, told NBC News that the alleged attacker "talks on his social media about killing Jews."<ref name="NBC"/><br />
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== Investigation ==<br />
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=== UAE-led probe ===<br />
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The [[United Arab Emirates]] attorney-general ordered the formation of an investigation team to probe the incident, including whether it was linked to terrorist activity, prior planning, or direction from others.<ref name="CD">{{cite news |title=UAE orders investigation into Flydubai flight incident |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202610/01/WS68dd4f5ca310f735b3a1c2d7.html |work=[[China Daily]] |date=1 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="AA2">{{cite news |title=UAE attorney general orders investigation into Flydubai flight incident |url=https://mobil.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/uae-attorney-general-orders-investigation-into-flydubai-flight-incident/3377142 |work=[[Anadolu Agency]] |date=1 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi stated that investigations into the incident found that the co-pilot had attempted to carry out a "terrorist attack," and that the co-pilot attacked the pilot inside the cockpit with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft.<ref name="Reuters-axe"/><ref name="ABC-aus"/><ref name="Xinhua">{{cite news |title=UAE attorney-general says Flydubai co-pilot attempts terrorist act |url=https://english.news.cn/20261003/171c027d6e7e46a7b0e7e1e3719c04c4/c.html |work=[[Xinhua News Agency]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> Emirati judicial authorities asserted jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and flies under its flag.<ref name="AA2" /><ref name="Print" /><ref name="Khaleej">{{cite news |title=UAE investigation finds flydubai co-pilot tried to carry out terror attack |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-investigation-finds-flydubai-co-pilot-tried-to-carry-out-terror-attack |work=[[Khaleej Times]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><br />
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A Gulf diplomat told the Associated Press that investigations are underway to establish whether al-Hammami acted as a "lone wolf or has any connection with any extremist groups."<ref name="AP">{{cite news |title=UAE says FlyDubai co-pilot attacked captain with cockpit's crash axe |url=https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/business/uae-says-flydubai-co-pilot-attacked-captain-with-cockpits-crash-axe/article_c9e2a4e7-d29c-5ab2-a893-d6731f871c03.html |work=[[The Canadian Press]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="DW" /> Al Shamsi said investigations were ongoing to "establish the full circumstances, motives, and any links related to the incident."<ref name="NBC"/><br />
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=== Transfer of custody ===<br />
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Al-Hammami was initially detained and questioned by Saudi authorities after the emergency landing in Tabuk. Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry confirmed that the diversion was caused by the co-pilot attacking the captain.<ref name="TASS" /> After both pilots received medical clearance, they were flown to [[Abu Dhabi]] accompanied by Emirati security personnel.<ref name="TASS" /><ref name="Reuters-axe"/> The captain and co-pilot left Saudi Arabia for Abu Dhabi on Thursday morning, the Saudi Interior Ministry said.<ref name="Reuters-axe"/><ref name="Aaj">{{cite news |title=Saudi interior ministry says Flydubai co-pilot transferred to UAE |url=https://english.aaj.tv/news/amp/330230466/saudi-interior-ministry-says-flydubai-co-pilot-transferred-to-uae |work=[[Aaj TV|Aaj]] |date=2 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><br />
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Saudi Arabia subsequently handed over al-Hammami to the UAE, where he faces a terrorism investigation. Israeli investigators were expected to question him as part of the UAE-led probe.<ref name="IE" /><ref name="Reuters-axe"/><ref name="JPost">{{cite news |title=Israeli investigators to question flydubai co-pilot |url=http://payments.jpost.com/israel-news/article-910420 |work=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |date=2 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> An Israeli government official told Reuters that Israeli investigators would take part alongside Emirati authorities in the UAE-led investigation, seeking to determine what happened and examine the suspect's motives and background.<ref name="Reuters-axe"/><ref name="ABC-aus"/> Israeli Government Spokesman David Mencer said Friday that Israeli investigators would "join their Emirati counterparts in investigating this attempted mass murder and establishing precisely what happened, his motives and background."<ref name="NBC"/><br />
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=== Questions over security clearance ===<br />
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The incident has raised significant questions about how al-Hammami was able to secure employment with Flydubai and be assigned to a flight to Israel despite the earlier security concerns at Oman Air. Israeli agencies, including [[Shin Bet]] and [[Mossad]], are investigating how an Omani citizen from a country that does not recognise Israel became part of the crew on a Tel Aviv-bound flight.<ref name="TOI" /><ref name="IE" /><br />
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Shin Bet chief David Zini had reportedly warned for months that security arrangements on flights arriving from the UAE were insufficient. The agency had been involved in a dispute with Israeli airlines over security measures on UAE routes in the weeks preceding the incident.<ref name="IE" /><br />
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Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel was looking into whether the co-pilot had acted under anyone's direction, warning that anyone involved would pay a "heavy price."<ref name="Reuters-axe"/><ref name="ABC-aus"/> He said: "We are investigating whether he was sent, and whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price."<ref name="NBC"/> Israel does not have official diplomatic relations with Oman, and Netanyahu has said pilots from such countries were not permitted to operate flights to Israel. It was not clear how the co-pilot came to be assigned to the flight to Tel Aviv.<ref name="JPost"/><br />
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=== Weapon question ===<br />
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A key element of the investigation is the use of a crash axe in the attack. A crash axe is typically kept in the cockpit for use during emergencies such as crashes. It is primarily used to break open the cockpit door if it gets jammed after a crash.<ref name="BBC-axe"/><ref name="News18-axe"/> Under post-9/11 aviation security rules, bladed instruments are tightly controlled in carry-on baggage and generally not permitted in the cockpit; however, the crash axe is a standard emergency tool stored in the cockpit itself.<ref name="BBC-axe"/><ref name="Reuters-axe"/><br />
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== Legal proceedings ==<br />
<br />
As of October 2026, al-Hammami was in UAE custody and facing a terrorism investigation. He had not been formally charged, and no court had ruled on the allegations against him. UAE authorities stated that their investigation would examine the circumstances and motives behind the attack, including whether it involved terrorist activity, prior planning, or direction from others.<ref name="IE" /><ref name="Reuters-axe"/> The UAE attorney general has opened an investigation into whether the attack was connected to terrorist activity and whether it involved advance planning or outside direction, according to the state news agency WAM.<ref name="Print" /><ref name="TOI-Probe">{{cite news |title=Was Flydubai cockpit attack planned? UAE probe to examine possible terror link |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/was-flydubai-cockpit-attack-planned-uae-probe-to-examine-possible-terror-link/articleshow/134615695.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=1 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> Flydubai Chief Executive Ghaith Al Ghaith said on Friday that authorities were conducting an official investigation, supported by the airline, after what he described as a "safety incident" in the cockpit. "It is important that we allow this process to establish the facts," he said in a written statement, acknowledging that there were "many questions" about what happened on flight FZ1073.<ref name="JPost"/><br />
<br />
== Aftermath and reactions ==<br />
<br />
=== Reactions ===<br />
<br />
UAE presidential adviser [[Anwar Gargash]] described the incident as a "terrorist act," praising Captain Smit Machchhar for showing "courage and responsibility" in the face of what he called a "dangerous terrorist act."<ref name="IE" /><ref name="Haaretz"/> Israeli Defence Minister [[Israel Katz]] described it as a "jihadist terrorist attack" and said the suspect intended to crash the aircraft.<ref name="IE" /><br />
<br />
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would "get to the root of this attacker" and that investigators would seek to determine the circumstances behind the incident and whether there was any wider involvement.<ref name="IE" /> However, no direct link to Iran or any other organisation had been established at the time of reporting.<ref name="IE" /> Israeli President [[Isaac Herzog]] said on Thursday that the alarm was raised onboard by an Israeli woman, Tali Manes, who heard a commotion coming from the cockpit.<ref name="BBC"/> Her husband, Zvika, along with three other men Yaniv Hayun, Dr Shota Musayev and Asaf Rajuan entered the cockpit and helped subdue the attacker.<ref name="BBC"/><br />
<br />
=== Captain's recovery ===<br />
<br />
Captain Smit Machchhar was initially taken to a hospital in Tabuk and later airlifted to [[Abu Dhabi]] for further treatment.<ref name="BBC-axe"/> India's embassy in the UAE said he was "in good health and recovering well."<ref name="ABC-aus"/><ref name="ABP-recovery">{{cite news |title=Indian Embassy Gives Health Update On Flydubai Pilot Machchhar. Here's What It Said |url=https://news.abplive.com/news/india/indian-embassy-gives-health-update-on-flydubai-pilot-machchhar-heres-what-it-said-1779365 |work=[[ABP Live]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> Indian Ambassador to the UAE Dr Deepak Mittal met Machchhar in the hospital and said the pilot was receiving good medical care and that the embassy remained in continuous contact with UAE authorities.<ref name="Newsonair-recovery">{{cite news |title=Captain Smit Machchhar in UAE; recovering well, says Indian Ambassador in Abu Dhabi |url=https://newsonair.gov.in/captain-smit-machchhar-in-uae-recovering-well-says-indian-ambassador-in-abu-dhabi/ |work=[[News On AIR]] |date=1 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> Machchhar told Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] in a video call that he had been flying for 17 years and had served as a captain for 11 years. He said: "When I was on the floor, I could sense that the aircraft was going down, and then I told myself, 'Smit, give a last push. Door is there.' I was getting stabbed at that point as well, but I opened the door, and others came inside."<ref name="Open">{{cite news |title=Captain Smit Machchhar Tells PM Modi How He Made 'One Last Push' to Save Flydubai Passengers |url=https://openthemagazine.com/india/captain-smit-machchhar-tells-pm-modi-how-he-made-one-last-push-to-save-flydubai-passengers |work=[[Open (Indian magazine)|Open]] |date=2 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="TOI-Modi">{{cite news |title=From hospital bed, Captain Smit tells PM Modi: Couldn't let others die |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/from-hospital-bed-captain-smit-tells-pm-modi-couldnt-let-others-die/articleshow/134630063.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== Aviation security implications ===<br />
<br />
The incident has prompted scrutiny of aviation security procedures, particularly regarding background checks for pilots and the sharing of security information between airlines and countries. The revelations about al-Hammami's earlier removal from flight training at Oman Air over extremist concerns have raised questions about how he was subsequently hired by Flydubai and cleared to operate an international route between the UAE and Israel.<ref name="IE" /><ref name="Statesman" /><ref name="StatesmanRadical"/><br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
<br />
* [[Flydubai Flight 1073]]<br />
* [[Smit Machchhar]]<br />
* [[Terrorism in aviation]]<br />
==Footnotes==<br />
{{notelist}}<br />
== References ==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<br />
[[Category:1997 births]]<br />
[[Category:Living people]]<br />
[[Category:Omani aviators]]<br />
[[Category:Omani people of Syrian descent]]<br />
[[Category:Omani expatriates in the United Arab Emirates]]<br />
[[Category:Alumni of Buckinghamshire New University]]<br />
[[Category:Oman Air people]]<br />
[[Category:Royal Air Maroc people]]<br />
[[Category:Flydubai people]]<br />
[[Category:Aviation criminals]]<br />
[[Category:Terrorism in the United Arab Emirates]]<br />
[[Category:2026 crimes in Asia]]<br />
[[Category:2020s in Dubai]]<br />
[[Category:Israeli–Palestinian conflict]]</div>Pbvhttps://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hamam_al-Hammami&diff=565839Hamam al-Hammami2026-10-05T04:06:18Z<p>Pbv: Original form of the Arabic name: همام الحمامي changed to هَمَّام الهمّامي , please also see the Talk section</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Short description|Omani airline pilot and terrorism suspect (born c. 1997)}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2026}}<br />
<br />
{{Infobox person<br />
| name = Hamam al-Hammami<br />
| native_name = {{lang|ar|همام الحمامي}}<br />
| image = Hamam al-Hammami (original).png<br />
| caption = <br />
| birth_name = Hamam al-Hammami{{efn|Not to be confused with the [[Saudis|Saudi]] soccer player [[Hammam Al-Hammami]]|name=confusion}}<br />
| birth_date = {{circa}} 1997<br />
| birth_place = [[United Arab Emirates]]<br />
| nationality = [[Oman]]i<br />
| citizenship = Oman<br />
| education = [[Buckinghamshire New University]] (aviation management, 2023)<br />
| occupation = Airline pilot (former co-pilot)<br />
| years_active = 2018–2026<br />
| employer = [[Flydubai]] (2026)<br />
| known_for = Perpetrator of the [[Flydubai Flight 1073]] cockpit attack<br />
| criminal_charges = Terrorism-related offenses (under investigation in the [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]])<br />
| criminal_status = In custody<br />
| parents = Omani father, Syrian mother<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Hamam al-Hammami''' ({{langx|ar|هَمَّام الهمّامي}}; born {{circa}} 1997) is an Omani national and former commercial airline pilot who was the co-pilot on [[Flydubai Flight 1073]] on 30 September 2026. He attacked the flight's captain, Indian national [[Smit Machchhar]], inside the cockpit with a crash axe in an attempt to take control of the aircraft and crash it in Israel.<ref name="TASS">{{cite news |title=Co-pilot who attacked captain on Flydubai flight identified as Omani national |url=https://tass.com/emergencies/2197029 |work=[[TASS]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="BBC-axe">{{cite news |title=Flydubai co-pilot attacked captain with axe, UAE official says |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c61wv7lgex13o |work=[[BBC News]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="NBC">{{cite news |title=Flydubai pilot attacked captain with cockpit's crash axe in attempted terrorist attack, UAE says |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/world/middle-east/flydubai-pilot-attacked-captain-cockpits-crash-axe-attempted-terrorist-rcna601259 |work=[[NBC News]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> The incident, which occurred on a flight from [[Dubai]] to [[Tel Aviv]], resulted in an emergency landing in [[Tabuk]], [[Saudi Arabia]], and has been officially designated by UAE authorities as an attempted "terrorist attack."<ref name="Reuters-axe">{{cite news |title=Flydubai co-pilot attacked pilot with axe, attempted 'terrorist attack', UAE says |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/world/1705394/flydubai-co-pilot-attacked-pilot-with-axe-attempted-terrorist-attack-uae-says |work=[[Reuters]] |via=[[Radio New Zealand]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="ABC-aus">{{cite news |title=Co-pilot involved in mid-flight 'terror' attack had been barred from flying |url=https://newsapp.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-03/sources-say-omani-co-pilot-had-extreme-views/107225300 |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
== Early life and education ==<br />
<br />
Al-Hammami was born in the [[United Arab Emirates]] to an Omani father and a Syrian mother, and he spent several years of his life in the UAE.<ref name="CNN">{{cite news |title=Terrorist images found on Flydubai suspect's social media |url=https://www.cnn.com/2026/10/02/world/flydubai-attacker-pilot-intl |work=[[CNN]] |date=2 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> He held only Omani citizenship and did not possess a second nationality.<ref name="TOI">{{cite news |title=Flydubai attack: Co-pilot identified as Hamam Alhamami was barred from flying in Oman over 'extremist views' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/flydubai-attack-suspect-identified-as-hamam-alhamami-was-barred-from-oman-air-over-extremist-concerns/articleshow/134650245.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> According to a regional official, how he obtained Omani nationality was not immediately clear.<ref name="Mirror">{{cite news |title=FlyDubai live: Co-pilot who 'attacked captain' had studied with UK university |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/flydubai-flight-hamam-al-hammami-37730503 |work=[[Daily Mirror]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
He completed a three-year distance-learning course in [[aviation management]] at [[Buckinghamshire New University]] in England, graduating in 2023. The university confirmed that a man with the same name completed the course but did not take any pilot training there.<ref name="BBC-axe"/><ref name="HT">{{cite news |title=Flying ban in Oman, spent time in Syria, held 'radical views': What we know about flydubai co-pilot |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/flying-ban-in-oman-spent-time-in-syria-held-radical-views-what-we-know-about-flydubai-co-pilot-101696314889738.html |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="Mirror"/><br />
<br />
== Aviation career ==<br />
=== Oman Air ===<br />
<br />
Al-Hammami worked at [[Oman Air]], Oman's national carrier, for approximately seven years, leaving in February 2025.<ref name="CNN" /> During his time there, he was a co-pilot trainee. In 2024, he was removed from flight training after concerns arose about his alleged radical views, and he was subsequently assigned an administrative role within the airline.<ref name="TASS" /><ref name="CNN" /><br />
<br />
According to CBS News, citing sources, concerns over al-Hammami surfaced while he was undergoing pilot training with Oman Air. Omani government surveillance allegedly detected that he had visited radical websites.<ref name="Statesman">{{cite news |title=El Al aircraft, al-Qaeda figures: Inside Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami's troubling LinkedIn posts |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/world/el-al-aircraft-al-qaeda-figures-inside-flydubai-co-pilot-hamam-al-hammamis-troubling-linkedin-posts-1503646302.html |work=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> Fox News, citing a source familiar with the matter, reported that Oman Air grounded him in 2024 after discovering that he had been visiting radical Islamic websites.<ref name="Statesman" /> The Wall Street Journal separately reported that Oman had banned him from flying over concerns that he had adopted radical ideological views.<ref name="TOI" /><ref name="WSJ">{{cite news |title=Oman banned FlyDubai co-pilot from flying due to his extremist religious views |url=https://theprint.in/world/oman-banned-flydubai-co-pilot-from-flying-due-to-his-extremist-religious-views-wsj-report-reveals/3060750/ |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |via=[[ThePrint]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
According to ABC News, citing intelligence and law-enforcement officials, extremist material was found in his possession while he was a trainee co-pilot in 2024.<ref name="TASS" /><ref name="ABC-aus"/> One source told CBS News that al-Hammami later resigned after being shifted to desk duties.<ref name="Statesman" /><br />
<br />
=== Royal Air Maroc ===<br />
<br />
After leaving Oman Air, al-Hammami joined [[Royal Air Maroc]], Morocco's national carrier, in June 2025. He departed from the airline in January 2026, according to a now-deleted LinkedIn profile bearing his name. One source confirmed that the profile belonged to the Flydubai pilot in the 30 September incident.<ref name="CNN" /><ref name="TimesNow">{{cite news |title=Hamam al-Hammami: Terrorist Images Found On Flydubai Omani Co-Pilot's LinkedIn Page, Spent Time In Syria |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/world/middle-east/hamam-al-hammami-terrorist-images-found-on-flydubai-omani-co-pilots-linkedin-page-spent-time-in-syria-article-156265960 |work=[[Times Now]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> Royal Air Maroc has reportedly said he underwent only theoretical training there and did not fly for the airline.<ref name="ArabTimes">{{cite news |title=Flydubai Co-Pilot Had Previously Been Removed From Oman Air Role Over Extremism Concerns: CNN |url=https://www.arabtimesonline.com/news/flydubai-co-pilot-had-previously-been-removed-from-oman-air-role-over-extremism-concerns-cnn/ |work=[[Arab Times]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== Flydubai ===<br />
<br />
Al-Hammami was hired by [[Flydubai]], a Dubai-based low-cost carrier, and had been working there for approximately eight months before the incident. An Israeli official confirmed his tenure with the airline to CNN.<ref name="CNN" /><br />
<br />
His hiring by Flydubai despite the earlier security concerns at Oman Air has raised significant questions about background checks and the sharing of security information between airlines and countries.<ref name="IE">{{cite news |title=Flydubai attack: Omani pilot identified, was flagged as security risk in 2024 |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/world/flydubai-fz1073-hamam-alhamami-who-is-omani-co-pilot-10904573/ |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> The Wall Street Journal reported that it was not clear whether Oman had shared information about its concerns with the UAE or Flydubai.<ref name="TOI" /> Sources cited by CBS News said no formal background check involving the Omani government was carried out before his employment with Flydubai.<ref name="Statesman" /> According to a Jerusalem Post report, Flydubai has an explicit clause stating that all its pilots must be from countries that have normalised relations with Israel; Oman does not have diplomatic relations with Israel.<ref name="Print">{{cite news |title=Oman banned FlyDubai co-pilot from flying due to his extremist religious views, WSJ report reveals |url=https://theprint.in/world/oman-banned-flydubai-co-pilot-from-flying-due-to-his-extremist-religious-views-wsj-report-reveals/3060750/ |work=[[ThePrint]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
== Flydubai Flight 1073 incident ==<br />
<br />
{{main|Flydubai Flight 1073}}<br />
<br />
On 30 September 2026, al-Hammami was serving as co-pilot on [[Flydubai Flight 1073]], a [[Boeing 737 MAX 8]] flying from [[Dubai International Airport]] to [[Tel Aviv]]'s [[Ben Gurion Airport]] with more than 170 passengers and crew on board, including four pilots.<ref name="Reuters-axe"/><ref name="DW">{{cite news |title=UAE investigators say Flydubai co-pilot attacked captain with ax in attempted 'terrorist' act |url=https://www.dw.com/en/flydubai-co-pilot-attempted-terrorist-attack-uae-says/a-79526641 |work=[[Deutsche Welle]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="NBC"/> During the flight, he attacked Captain [[Smit Machchhar]] inside the cockpit with a crash axe, a tool typically kept in the cockpit for use during emergencies such as crashes.<ref name="BBC-axe"/><ref name="Reuters-axe"/><ref name="News18-axe">{{cite news |title=Knife Or Crash Axe? What Weapon The Omani Co-Pilot Used To Attack Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar |url=https://www.news18.com/world/knife-or-crash-axe-what-weapon-the-omani-co-pilot-used-to-attack-flydubai-captain-smit-machchhar-ws-l-10362637.html |work=[[News18]] |date=1 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> The crash axe is primarily used to break open the cockpit door if it gets jammed after a crash.<ref name="News18-axe"/> The attack caused the aircraft to enter a steep descent, dropping approximately 16,625 feet (5,200 metres) in just over 30 seconds while flying over Saudi Arabia.<ref name="Reuters-axe"/><ref name="ABC-aus"/> A hijacking distress signal was transmitted during the struggle.<ref name="TOI" /><br />
<br />
Despite his injuries, Captain Machchhar fought back and managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and restrain al-Hammami.<ref name="BBC">{{cite news |title='I was not going to let others die' - pilot of Flydubai flight describes cockpit attack by co-pilot |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c639m98gde00o |work=[[BBC News]] |date=2 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> The captain was badly wounded and repeatedly stabbed but used his remaining energy to unlock the cockpit door.<ref name="TBS">{{cite news |title=Co-pilot used cockpit crash axe to attack Flydubai captain |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/world/co-pilot-used-cockpit-crash-axe-attack-flydubai-captain-1264731 |work=[[The Business Standard]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="IrishTimes">{{cite news |title=Flydubai co-pilot attacked captain with axe, UAE says |url=https://staging.irishtimes.com/world/middle-east/2026/10/03/flydubai-co-pilot-attacked-captain-with-axe-uae-says/ |work=[[The Irish Times]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> A reserve Flydubai pilot travelling on the flight took control of the aircraft and landed it safely at [[Tabuk Regional Airport]] in north-western Saudi Arabia, where al-Hammami was detained by Saudi authorities.<ref name="Reuters-axe"/><ref name="ABC-aus"/> Israeli Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] later said that after the attacker was subdued, he called out "Kill me, kill me!", indicating suicidal intent.<ref name="BBC-axe"/><br />
<br />
== Alleged radicalization and motives ==<br />
<br />
=== Extremist materials and online activity ===<br />
<br />
According to Israel's Channel 12, investigators believe al-Hammami had undergone a process of indoctrination into "al-Qaeda's ideology" and had met unspecified religious figures during his radicalization.<ref name="IE" /><ref name="Mathrubhumi">{{cite news |title=Flydubai co-pilot's past under scrutiny: Al-Qaeda ideology, Syria link and Oman flying ban |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/world/flydubai-co-pilot-hamam-alhamami-al-qaeda-radicalisation-o1304g47 |work=[[Mathrubhumi]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="ABP">{{cite news |title=First Image Of Omani Co-Pilot Hamam Al Hamami Who Nearly Crashed Flydubai Plane Emerges |url=https://news.abplive.com/news/world/first-image-of-omani-co-pilot-hamam-al-hamami-who-nearly-crashed-flydubai-plane-emerges-1779499 |work=[[ABP Live]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> The reported period he spent in Syria is also being examined as part of that history.<ref name="Mathrubhumi" /><br />
<br />
Two posts appeared on a LinkedIn profile bearing his name approximately nine hours after the incident. The first post featured clips filmed in the cockpits of Boeing 737 Max aircraft, including footage geolocated to Dubai International Airport showing an [[El Al]] aircraft. The video ended with photos of [[Ayman al-Zawahiri]], who led al-Qaeda after the death of [[Osama bin Laden]], and [[Humam Khalil Abu-Mulal al-Balawi]], a Jordanian double agent who killed seven CIA officers in a 2009 suicide bombing. The second post was an AI-generated image of Islam's three holiest sites, accompanied by a poem about rejecting humiliation and not fearing death.<ref name="CNN" /><ref name="IE" /><ref name="Statesman" /> The same videos were also posted around the same time to an Instagram account bearing al-Hammami's name and photographs; that account was later deleted.<ref name="TimesNow" /> A second post featured an AI-generated image of [[Mecca]], [[Medina]] and [[Jerusalem]], Islam's three holiest sites, accompanied by a poem about rejecting humiliation, not fearing death and defending one's dignity.<ref name="Haaretz">{{cite news |title=Report: Flydubai Suspect Shared al-Qaida Imagery, Israeli Planes on Social Media |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-security/2026-10-03/ty-article/report-flydubai-suspects-social-media-showed-israeli-planes-al-qaida-figures/000001a1-00a7-d039-afb7-ada7ec010000 |work=[[Haaretz]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
CNN analysed nearly 3,000 deleted Twitter posts attributed to al-Hammami, primarily from 2021 to 2022, which showed frequent references to religious issues and strict views about women. In a 2022 post, he stated that his mother had difficulty finding a wife for him because he required his future wife to wear a [[niqab]] and quit working after marriage. Other posts criticized mixed-gender work environments.<ref name="CNN" /><ref name="NDTV">{{cite news |title='Terrorist' Posts, Misogynistic Views Key In flydubai Omani Co-Pilot Probe |url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/terrorist-posts-misogynistic-views-key-in-flydubai-omani-co-pilot-hamam-al-hammami-probe-flydubai-incident-indian-pilot-captain-smit-machchhar-dubai-t-12132632 |work=[[NDTV]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> One 2022 post said: "How many respectable, religious girls have been ruined in mixed-gender work environments and manipulated?"<ref name="Haaretz"/> The posts reflected strongly religious and misogynistic views.<ref name="Haaretz"/><br />
<br />
=== Time in Syria ===<br />
<br />
Al Arabiya English reported that al-Hammami spent much of his time outside Oman, particularly in [[Syria]], where he was allegedly influenced by extremist ideas before moving to the UAE. This period is being examined as part of the investigation into his radicalization.<ref name="TOI" /><ref name="News18">{{cite news |title=Flydubai Omani Co-Pilot Identified; Fresh Details Emerge On Syria Links, Extremist Views |url=https://www.news18.com/world/flydubai-omani-co-pilot-identified-fresh-details-emerge-on-syria-links-extremist-views-ws-l-10365224.html |work=[[News18]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> i24NEWS, citing an Emirati source, reported that leaflets and publications associated with "Free Palestine" groups, along with other pro-Palestinian material, were found among his belongings, and that he had repeatedly expressed support for Palestinians and hostility towards Israel.<ref name="TOI" /><ref name="Mathrubhumi" /><ref name="MidDay">{{cite news |title='Free Palestine' material reportedly found with Omani co-pilot |url=https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/flydubai-flight-incident-free-palestine-material-reportedly-found-with-omani-co-pilot-23450048 |work=[[Mid-Day]] |date=2 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> The presence of political material, by itself, does not establish involvement in terrorism.<ref name="StatesmanRadical">{{cite news |title=Syria to Flydubai cockpit: Radicalisation trail of Tel Aviv flight suspect comes under probe |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/world/syria-to-flydubai-cockpit-radicalisation-trail-of-tel-aviv-flight-suspect-comes-under-probe-1503646248.html |work=[[The Statesman (India)|The Statesman]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><br />
<br />
=== Stated intent ===<br />
<br />
According to ABC News, citing sources familiar with the investigation, al-Hammami has cooperated with investigators and stated that he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel.<ref name="TASS" /><ref name="News18"/> Israeli Prime Minister [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] said the suspect was believed to have undergone "Islamist radical indoctrination" and appeared suicidal, though he said a motive had not yet been established.<ref name="CNN" /><ref name="BBC-axe"/> Israel's i24NEWS, citing sources briefed on the investigation, reported that the co-pilot told investigators he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel, a plan that had it succeeded could have resulted in a "9/11-like tragedy."<ref name="News18" /><ref name="Freepress">{{cite news |title=From Al-Qaeda Indoctrination To '9/11-Like' Israel Crash Plot: Inside Flydubai Co-Pilot Hamam Alhamami's Alleged Plan To Bring Down Tel Aviv-Bound Flight |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/from-al-qaeda-indoctrination-to-911-like-israel-crash-plot-inside-flydubai-co-pilot-hamam-alhamamis-alleged-plan-to-bring-down-tel-aviv-bound-flight |work=[[Free Press Journal]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> Netanyahu told Fox News: "As time passes, the picture becomes clearer: the attacker had undergone Islamist radicalization. He came to crash the plane, along with its passengers."<ref name="NBC"/> Netanyahu's spokesman, Doron Spielman, told NBC News that the alleged attacker "talks on his social media about killing Jews."<ref name="NBC"/><br />
<br />
== Investigation ==<br />
<br />
=== UAE-led probe ===<br />
<br />
The [[United Arab Emirates]] attorney-general ordered the formation of an investigation team to probe the incident, including whether it was linked to terrorist activity, prior planning, or direction from others.<ref name="CD">{{cite news |title=UAE orders investigation into Flydubai flight incident |url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202610/01/WS68dd4f5ca310f735b3a1c2d7.html |work=[[China Daily]] |date=1 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="AA2">{{cite news |title=UAE attorney general orders investigation into Flydubai flight incident |url=https://mobil.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/uae-attorney-general-orders-investigation-into-flydubai-flight-incident/3377142 |work=[[Anadolu Agency]] |date=1 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi stated that investigations into the incident found that the co-pilot had attempted to carry out a "terrorist attack," and that the co-pilot attacked the pilot inside the cockpit with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft.<ref name="Reuters-axe"/><ref name="ABC-aus"/><ref name="Xinhua">{{cite news |title=UAE attorney-general says Flydubai co-pilot attempts terrorist act |url=https://english.news.cn/20261003/171c027d6e7e46a7b0e7e1e3719c04c4/c.html |work=[[Xinhua News Agency]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> Emirati judicial authorities asserted jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and flies under its flag.<ref name="AA2" /><ref name="Print" /><ref name="Khaleej">{{cite news |title=UAE investigation finds flydubai co-pilot tried to carry out terror attack |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-investigation-finds-flydubai-co-pilot-tried-to-carry-out-terror-attack |work=[[Khaleej Times]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><br />
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A Gulf diplomat told the Associated Press that investigations are underway to establish whether al-Hammami acted as a "lone wolf or has any connection with any extremist groups."<ref name="AP">{{cite news |title=UAE says FlyDubai co-pilot attacked captain with cockpit's crash axe |url=https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/business/uae-says-flydubai-co-pilot-attacked-captain-with-cockpits-crash-axe/article_c9e2a4e7-d29c-5ab2-a893-d6731f871c03.html |work=[[The Canadian Press]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="DW" /> Al Shamsi said investigations were ongoing to "establish the full circumstances, motives, and any links related to the incident."<ref name="NBC"/><br />
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=== Transfer of custody ===<br />
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Al-Hammami was initially detained and questioned by Saudi authorities after the emergency landing in Tabuk. Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry confirmed that the diversion was caused by the co-pilot attacking the captain.<ref name="TASS" /> After both pilots received medical clearance, they were flown to [[Abu Dhabi]] accompanied by Emirati security personnel.<ref name="TASS" /><ref name="Reuters-axe"/> The captain and co-pilot left Saudi Arabia for Abu Dhabi on Thursday morning, the Saudi Interior Ministry said.<ref name="Reuters-axe"/><ref name="Aaj">{{cite news |title=Saudi interior ministry says Flydubai co-pilot transferred to UAE |url=https://english.aaj.tv/news/amp/330230466/saudi-interior-ministry-says-flydubai-co-pilot-transferred-to-uae |work=[[Aaj TV|Aaj]] |date=2 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><br />
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Saudi Arabia subsequently handed over al-Hammami to the UAE, where he faces a terrorism investigation. Israeli investigators were expected to question him as part of the UAE-led probe.<ref name="IE" /><ref name="Reuters-axe"/><ref name="JPost">{{cite news |title=Israeli investigators to question flydubai co-pilot |url=http://payments.jpost.com/israel-news/article-910420 |work=[[The Jerusalem Post]] |date=2 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> An Israeli government official told Reuters that Israeli investigators would take part alongside Emirati authorities in the UAE-led investigation, seeking to determine what happened and examine the suspect's motives and background.<ref name="Reuters-axe"/><ref name="ABC-aus"/> Israeli Government Spokesman David Mencer said Friday that Israeli investigators would "join their Emirati counterparts in investigating this attempted mass murder and establishing precisely what happened, his motives and background."<ref name="NBC"/><br />
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=== Questions over security clearance ===<br />
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The incident has raised significant questions about how al-Hammami was able to secure employment with Flydubai and be assigned to a flight to Israel despite the earlier security concerns at Oman Air. Israeli agencies, including [[Shin Bet]] and [[Mossad]], are investigating how an Omani citizen from a country that does not recognise Israel became part of the crew on a Tel Aviv-bound flight.<ref name="TOI" /><ref name="IE" /><br />
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Shin Bet chief David Zini had reportedly warned for months that security arrangements on flights arriving from the UAE were insufficient. The agency had been involved in a dispute with Israeli airlines over security measures on UAE routes in the weeks preceding the incident.<ref name="IE" /><br />
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Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel was looking into whether the co-pilot had acted under anyone's direction, warning that anyone involved would pay a "heavy price."<ref name="Reuters-axe"/><ref name="ABC-aus"/> He said: "We are investigating whether he was sent, and whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price."<ref name="NBC"/> Israel does not have official diplomatic relations with Oman, and Netanyahu has said pilots from such countries were not permitted to operate flights to Israel. It was not clear how the co-pilot came to be assigned to the flight to Tel Aviv.<ref name="JPost"/><br />
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=== Weapon question ===<br />
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A key element of the investigation is the use of a crash axe in the attack. A crash axe is typically kept in the cockpit for use during emergencies such as crashes. It is primarily used to break open the cockpit door if it gets jammed after a crash.<ref name="BBC-axe"/><ref name="News18-axe"/> Under post-9/11 aviation security rules, bladed instruments are tightly controlled in carry-on baggage and generally not permitted in the cockpit; however, the crash axe is a standard emergency tool stored in the cockpit itself.<ref name="BBC-axe"/><ref name="Reuters-axe"/><br />
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== Legal proceedings ==<br />
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As of October 2026, al-Hammami was in UAE custody and facing a terrorism investigation. He had not been formally charged, and no court had ruled on the allegations against him. UAE authorities stated that their investigation would examine the circumstances and motives behind the attack, including whether it involved terrorist activity, prior planning, or direction from others.<ref name="IE" /><ref name="Reuters-axe"/> The UAE attorney general has opened an investigation into whether the attack was connected to terrorist activity and whether it involved advance planning or outside direction, according to the state news agency WAM.<ref name="Print" /><ref name="TOI-Probe">{{cite news |title=Was Flydubai cockpit attack planned? UAE probe to examine possible terror link |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/was-flydubai-cockpit-attack-planned-uae-probe-to-examine-possible-terror-link/articleshow/134615695.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=1 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> Flydubai Chief Executive Ghaith Al Ghaith said on Friday that authorities were conducting an official investigation, supported by the airline, after what he described as a "safety incident" in the cockpit. "It is important that we allow this process to establish the facts," he said in a written statement, acknowledging that there were "many questions" about what happened on flight FZ1073.<ref name="JPost"/><br />
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== Aftermath and reactions ==<br />
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=== Reactions ===<br />
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UAE presidential adviser [[Anwar Gargash]] described the incident as a "terrorist act," praising Captain Smit Machchhar for showing "courage and responsibility" in the face of what he called a "dangerous terrorist act."<ref name="IE" /><ref name="Haaretz"/> Israeli Defence Minister [[Israel Katz]] described it as a "jihadist terrorist attack" and said the suspect intended to crash the aircraft.<ref name="IE" /><br />
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would "get to the root of this attacker" and that investigators would seek to determine the circumstances behind the incident and whether there was any wider involvement.<ref name="IE" /> However, no direct link to Iran or any other organisation had been established at the time of reporting.<ref name="IE" /> Israeli President [[Isaac Herzog]] said on Thursday that the alarm was raised onboard by an Israeli woman, Tali Manes, who heard a commotion coming from the cockpit.<ref name="BBC"/> Her husband, Zvika, along with three other men Yaniv Hayun, Dr Shota Musayev and Asaf Rajuan entered the cockpit and helped subdue the attacker.<ref name="BBC"/><br />
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=== Captain's recovery ===<br />
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Captain Smit Machchhar was initially taken to a hospital in Tabuk and later airlifted to [[Abu Dhabi]] for further treatment.<ref name="BBC-axe"/> India's embassy in the UAE said he was "in good health and recovering well."<ref name="ABC-aus"/><ref name="ABP-recovery">{{cite news |title=Indian Embassy Gives Health Update On Flydubai Pilot Machchhar. Here's What It Said |url=https://news.abplive.com/news/india/indian-embassy-gives-health-update-on-flydubai-pilot-machchhar-heres-what-it-said-1779365 |work=[[ABP Live]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> Indian Ambassador to the UAE Dr Deepak Mittal met Machchhar in the hospital and said the pilot was receiving good medical care and that the embassy remained in continuous contact with UAE authorities.<ref name="Newsonair-recovery">{{cite news |title=Captain Smit Machchhar in UAE; recovering well, says Indian Ambassador in Abu Dhabi |url=https://newsonair.gov.in/captain-smit-machchhar-in-uae-recovering-well-says-indian-ambassador-in-abu-dhabi/ |work=[[News On AIR]] |date=1 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref> Machchhar told Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] in a video call that he had been flying for 17 years and had served as a captain for 11 years. He said: "When I was on the floor, I could sense that the aircraft was going down, and then I told myself, 'Smit, give a last push. Door is there.' I was getting stabbed at that point as well, but I opened the door, and others came inside."<ref name="Open">{{cite news |title=Captain Smit Machchhar Tells PM Modi How He Made 'One Last Push' to Save Flydubai Passengers |url=https://openthemagazine.com/india/captain-smit-machchhar-tells-pm-modi-how-he-made-one-last-push-to-save-flydubai-passengers |work=[[Open (Indian magazine)|Open]] |date=2 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="TOI-Modi">{{cite news |title=From hospital bed, Captain Smit tells PM Modi: Couldn't let others die |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/from-hospital-bed-captain-smit-tells-pm-modi-couldnt-let-others-die/articleshow/134630063.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=3 October 2026 |access-date=3 October 2026}}</ref><br />
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=== Aviation security implications ===<br />
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The incident has prompted scrutiny of aviation security procedures, particularly regarding background checks for pilots and the sharing of security information between airlines and countries. The revelations about al-Hammami's earlier removal from flight training at Oman Air over extremist concerns have raised questions about how he was subsequently hired by Flydubai and cleared to operate an international route between the UAE and Israel.<ref name="IE" /><ref name="Statesman" /><ref name="StatesmanRadical"/><br />
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== See also ==<br />
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* [[Flydubai Flight 1073]]<br />
* [[Smit Machchhar]]<br />
* [[Terrorism in aviation]]<br />
==Footnotes==<br />
{{notelist}}<br />
== References ==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
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== External links ==<br />
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[[Category:1997 births]]<br />
[[Category:Living people]]<br />
[[Category:Omani aviators]]<br />
[[Category:Omani people of Syrian descent]]<br />
[[Category:Omani expatriates in the United Arab Emirates]]<br />
[[Category:Alumni of Buckinghamshire New University]]<br />
[[Category:Oman Air people]]<br />
[[Category:Royal Air Maroc people]]<br />
[[Category:Flydubai people]]<br />
[[Category:Aviation criminals]]<br />
[[Category:Terrorism in the United Arab Emirates]]<br />
[[Category:2026 crimes in Asia]]<br />
[[Category:2020s in Dubai]]<br />
[[Category:Israeli–Palestinian conflict]]</div>Pbvhttps://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Talk:Hamam_al-Hammami&diff=565829Talk:Hamam al-Hammami2026-10-05T03:54:20Z<p>Pbv: /* Name in Arabic */ new section</p>
<hr />
<div>== Name in Arabic ==<br />
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Name in Arabicهَمَّام الهمّاميHammām al-Hammāmī/hamˈmaːm//al.hamˈmaː.mi/Considerations:(1.) There is a shadda in his first name, but he himself used the name Hamam for instance in his LinkedIn profile and social media handles like @PilotHamam. (2.) The given name seems to be written with ه (hāʾ, a plain voiceless glottal fricative /h/), not ح (ḥāʾ, a voiced pharyngeal /ħ/). Why this matters:هَمَّام (hāʾ) — a classical Arabic given name meaning "resolute, of high purpose," from the root ه-م-م (concern, intention, drive). It's an old name with at least ten companions of the prophet of Islam bearing it. حَمَّام (ḥāʾ) — "bathhouse," from the root ح-م-م (heat, warming). [[User:Pbv|Pbv]] ([[User talk:Pbv|talk]]) 09:24, 5 October 2026 (IST)</div>Pbv