FlyDubai Co-Pilot's Past Fabricated, Investigation Reveals Extremist Ties

New information has emerged casting doubt on the professional background of FlyDubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, raising serious questions about how he was hired. Both Royal Air Maroc and Buckinghamshire University have refuted claims al-Hammami made about his experience and education. Royal Air Maroc stated that al-Hammami never worked as a pilot for them, only completing a three-month theoretical selection course in 2025 before his application was rejected. This contradicts his LinkedIn profile, where he claimed employment from June 2025 to January 2026. Buckinghamshire University confirmed he took an online aviation management course but stressed it did not involve pilot training. These revelations intensify scrutiny over FlyDubai's vetting process. Previously, al-Hammami was reportedly removed from flight duties at Oman Air after extremist materials were found, leading to a transfer to an administrative role. Sources also indicate he was influenced by extremist ideologies during his time in Syria. Investigators are examining his social media activity, including a video of Israeli aircraft in Dubai posted on the day of the incident, alongside photos of Al-Qaeda leaders, and earlier posts against working women. The investigation into the FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv is ongoing in the UAE, with the Attorney General officially classifying the event as a terrorist attempt. Al-Hammami, who is cooperating with investigators after being transferred from Saudi Arabia, has confessed to intending to crash the plane in Israel. During the flight, he allegedly attacked the captain with an axe and attempted a high-speed dive. The situation was brought under control by crew members, other pilots, and a group of Israeli passengers, allowing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The incident is expected to impact aviation security.