Flydubai Co-Pilot Accused of Attack Was Previously Barred From Flying
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Flydubai co-pilot Hammam Al-Hammami accused of attacking captain on flight to Tel Aviv.
- Al-Hammami was reportedly previously barred from flying in Oman over extremist concerns.
- The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Other pilots and passengers intervened to subdue the co-pilot.
- Investigations are ongoing into Al-Hammami's motives and potential accomplices.
Sources revealed on Saturday the identity of the co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, attempting to cause the plane to crash. The co-pilot has been identified as Hammam Al-Hammami, an Omani national. Investigations are ongoing to determine his motives and whether he acted alone.
According to an Associated Press report citing three individuals familiar with the case, including a Gulf diplomat and a Western diplomat, Al-Hammami was previously prevented from flying in Oman due to concerns over extremist ideologies before joining Flydubai. No official Omani comment has been issued on this information.
The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv with over 170 passengers and crew. Reuters reported that the co-pilot attacked and injured the Indian captain, Sumit Machar, causing the aircraft to descend sharply. The captain, despite his injuries, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and subdue the co-pilot.
Other pilots on board took control of the aircraft, diverting its course to a safe landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Flydubai stated that a "dispute occurred in the cockpit" and that the plane was brought back under control and landed safely, emphasizing that the investigation into the causes and motives is ongoing and urging against speculation.
Authorities are still investigating whether Al-Hammami acted independently or had connections to other parties. A final determination on his motives has not yet been announced.
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