The co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a Flydubai flight and attempting to seize control of the aircraft en route to Israel had previously been barred from flying by Oman Air after being identified as a security risk, according to senior intelligence and law enforcement officials.
Multiple sources familiar with the investigation identified the suspect as 29-year-old Omani national Hamam Al Hammami.
According to officials cited by ABC News, Al Hammami was working as a trainee co-pilot for Oman Air in 2024 when he was allegedly found in possession of extremist materials. He was subsequently suspended from flying but was allowed to continue working for the airline in an administrative role.
The disclosure comes as authorities in the United Arab Emirates formally described Wednesday’s incident aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 as an attempted terrorist act.
UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said Saturday that investigators determined the co-pilot began carrying out his plan during the flight by attacking the captain inside the cockpit with a crash axe and attempting to take control of the aircraft.
The announcement marks the first official confirmation from UAE authorities that the co-pilot attacked the captain and identifies the weapon used during the assault. Earlier statements had described the episode as a cockpit altercation while investigators worked to determine whether terrorism or prior planning was involved.
Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances and motive behind the attack, as well as any possible connections to other individuals or organizations. Authorities are also analyzing physical and digital evidence before releasing their final findings.
The incident occurred aboard Flight FZ1073 as it traveled from Dubai to Tel Aviv with more than 170 people on board. The captain was injured during the confrontation but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene. Other pilots aboard the aircraft subsequently took control and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Al Hammami was detained in Saudi Arabia and later transferred to the United Arab Emirates, where the investigation is being led.
According to ABC News sources, investigators are also examining how Al Hammami was able to secure a flying position with Flydubai after previously being removed from flying duties at Oman Air and how he was assigned to a flight bound for Israel.
ABC News reported that Al Hammami is cooperating with investigators and has indicated that he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel. UAE authorities, however, have said the broader motive and any possible links remain under investigation.
Flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to Tel Aviv while the investigation continues. The airline has said it is fully cooperating with authorities.
The investigation is now expected to focus not only on the alleged attack itself but also on aviation security and employee-vetting procedures that allowed a pilot reportedly previously flagged as a security concern to return to cockpit duties.
