Earlier this week, a FlyDubai co-pilot allegedly attempted to crash a passenger plane en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The co-pilot, identified as Hamam al Hamami, reportedly stabbed the flight captain before being subdued by passengers and crew. The plane, carrying 174 people, made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, with no serious injuries to passengers, though the captain was wounded. Al Hamami, previously fired from Oman Air for “extremist views,” had been under surveillance for visiting radical websites. Despite this, FlyDubai hired him without consulting Omani authorities. His motive remains unclear, though there are indications of Islamist radicalization. Al Hamami’s background includes Omani and Syrian heritage, and he may hold dual citizenship, which could explain his travel to Israel.
QUESTION: How might airlines improve their vetting processes to prevent similar incidents in the future?
FlyDubai co-pilot was fired from Oman Air job for “extremist views,” sources say
