Passenger Restrained Hijacker on Flydubai Flight Amidst Security Lapses

A medical student, Ader Hayat, recounted his experience restraining the Omani co-pilot, Mam al-Hamaami, who was identified as the hijacker on a Flydubai flight. Hayat described the intense fear and a debate among passengers about whether to kill the hijacker, fearing he might have a knife. He also detailed tending to the injured pilot, Samit Machaher, who was stabbed, but was unable to fully assist him until the hijacker was neutralized. Another passenger provided zip ties, which Hayat used to secure al-Hamaami, later discovering he was unarmed.

Investigations in the Emirates have confirmed that foreign pilots did not cooperate with the hijacker. Al-Hamaami had arrived in Australia about a decade ago, and authorities are thoroughly examining his background. The incident has highlighted significant security failures within Israel's Ministry of Transport. An Israeli company had previously identified a pilot expressing anti-Israel sentiments and dismissed him, but the Ministry claims its database was in a pilot phase and unable to share information. The Israel Tax Authority, however, insists the database is active and that all bodies receive data from it, with a senior official calling the Ministry's claim "nonsense."

Further reports indicate al-Hamaami had planned a similar attack on a previous flight to Tel Aviv but reconsidered. During his interrogation, he admitted to seeking employment with airlines flying to Tel Aviv, which led him to choose Flydubai, and that the plan predated his hiring. An Israeli investigation team arrived in the Emirates to participate in al-Hamaami's interrogation, alongside security personnel from other nations, focusing on suspicions he had flown to Israel before and may have acted alone.

In response to the security lapses, including the airline's failure to screen for religious extremism, security officials have called for an inquiry and a ban on pilots from countries without diplomatic ties with Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu has ordered the Head of the National Security Council to appoint an examiner to conduct a thorough review of all security aspects related to foreign civil aviation operating in Israel, amid accusations between the Ministry of Transport and security agencies. A June 2023 discussion at the National Security Council, involving Shin Bet and Mossad representatives, addressed intelligence sharing with civilian bodies. The Ministry of Transport stated its responsibility for foreign flight security but cited insufficient intelligence, while the Mossad pledged to increase information sharing, a commitment that was not fulfilled.

Official data reveals that dozens of Omani citizens have entered Israel on tourist visas in recent years, including aircrew members, despite Oman not being designated an enemy state. This suggests potential security breaches where alerts were not triggered, violating an aviation agreement requiring aircrews to hold diplomatic passports from countries with relations with Israel. The Ministry of Transport stated they operate under the assumption this has not happened but cannot confirm it with certainty.