The co-pilot of FlyDubai flight FZ1073 attempted to seize control of the aircraft and commit a terrorist act, according to the UAE attorney-general. Hamam Al-Hammami, an Omani national, attacked the captain with a crash axe inside the cockpit and tried to take over the flight controls. Officials confirmed Al-Hammami had been flagged for extremist views and was barred from flying on his home airline.
The incident occurred during the flight to Israel, where the pilot was seriously injured. Al-Hammami was identified by three sources, including diplomats, who spoke anonymously. The UAE shared details about the flight, including pilot names and nationalities, with Israel before departure. This raised questions about how the attacker evaded detection.
Al-Hammami had previously expressed extremist views online, including calls for violence against women. His past statements, uncovered during the investigation, included references to Al Qaeda. The Israeli prime minister spoke with the injured pilot, who was recovering from the attack. The incident has prompted a review of security protocols for airline crews.
The UAE authorities are investigating the case, focusing on the co-pilot’s background and the security lapses that allowed the attack to occur. The incident has sparked concerns about the vetting process for airline personnel and the sharing of sensitive flight data between countries.
