Israel Assesses Flydubai Co-Pilot Acted Alone in Hijacking Attempt

Israeli sources familiar with the investigation into the attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight believe the co-pilot acted alone, according to CBS News. The initial investigation in Israel suggests the possibility that the co-pilot, identified as Maam Al-Hammami, acted independently. However, officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and all possibilities are still being explored.

Al-Hammami reportedly worked briefly for Oman Air, where he began pilot training. Authorities in Oman tracked his internet activity, which showed he visited extremist websites, leading the airline to reassign him to an office role. He resigned from Oman Air in 2024 and subsequently moved to Dubai, where he was hired by Flydubai without his past being thoroughly vetted by Omani authorities.

New details from the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera indicate that the co-pilot disconnected the autopilot, pushed the controls forward forcefully, and shut down both engines during the flight. This caused the aircraft to lose approximately 16,000 feet in about 30 seconds. Aviation experts analyzing flight data suggested that emergency lights in the cabin activated at high altitude, indicating a loss of main electrical power and a switch to backup batteries, which occurs when generators or engines are turned off.