Systemic Blindness Allowed Oman Air Co-Pilot's Terror Attempt

A dangerous systemic failure allowed an Omani co-pilot to attempt a terror attack on a Flydubai flight, according to a CBS News report. The airline reportedly hired Humam Al-Hamami without verifying his background with the Omani government. Security authorities in Oman had previously identified Al-Hamami as having browsed extremist websites and reassigned him to a desk job before his resignation, information that was not shared with Israeli authorities.

An Israeli security official confirmed to CBS that the incident is being investigated as a potential terror attempt similar to the 9/11 attacks, and whether Al-Hamami acted alone. Israel is currently unable to interrogate the suspect, relying on reports from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. A special Israeli investigation team has arrived in the UAE, where Al-Hamami was transferred from Saudi Arabia for further questioning.

Following the incident, the Ministry of Transport's Security Department (MMLT) admitted that they cannot guarantee such an event will not happen again, stating that complete security would mean halting all foreign aviation to Israel. The ministry claims it is not an intelligence body and lacks the tools to vet foreign crew members, relying instead on airlines and foreign governments. They also admitted they do not know for certain which foreign crew members and pilots have landed in Israel in recent years.

Responsibility for monitoring foreign flight crews was officially divided between the Ministry of Transport's Security Department and the Mossad, but this responsibility appears to be only on paper, as the ministry lacks independent intelligence capabilities. Simultaneously, the security establishment is investigating whether pilots with dual citizenship from enemy states have recently landed in Israel. This is particularly concerning given a 2023 law intended to establish a center within the Tax Authority for pre-monitoring passengers and crews.

Flydubai has suspended flights to Israel following orders from authorities to halt operations until the investigation concludes and to ensure there are no further security breaches. The incident occurred when Al-Hamami allegedly attacked and stabbed the Indian captain, Smith Machacher, with an emergency axe. The severe struggle caused the plane to lose altitude rapidly, resulting in extreme turbulence and unusual tilting. Despite his injuries, the captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to subdue the co-pilot.