Omani Co-Pilot Shut Down Engines Mid-Flight in Attempted Terror Attack

A new investigation published by the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera has revealed further details regarding the actions of Hammam Al-Hamami, the Omani co-pilot who attempted to crash a Flydubai flight last week. According to the report, Al-Hamami shut down both of the aircraft's engines while in the air, in addition to trying to seize control of the systems and attacking the Emirati pilot during the flight. The investigation suggests Al-Hamami planned to kill the captain with an axe found in the cockpit, preventing him from reporting any issues. He then intended to continue on course without air traffic control being aware of the murder, aiming to crash the plane into the heart of Tel Aviv.

Al-Hamami's identity was revealed yesterday as the co-pilot suspected in the attempted attack on Wednesday. Reports indicate he worked for Oman Air and Air Morocco for years, but concerns about his extremist views emerged in 2024. He was reportedly grounded from flight duties at Oman Air due to these concerns but later managed to return to a position that led him to the Flydubai cockpit.

Following the attempted attack, Al-Hamami was arrested and extradited to the United Arab Emirates, where he is currently under investigation. A senior Abu Dhabi official stated that Al-Hamami is expected to face the death penalty upon completion of the investigation. The source suggested that even though the incident concluded without passenger fatalities, the Emirates intend to seek the harshest punishment to serve as a deterrent.