Saudi state media have identified Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami in connection with an alleged hijack attempt on Flydubai flight FZ1073. The UAE prosecutor says the co-pilot attacked the pilot with an axe
The co-pilot who allegedly attacked his captain and attempted to crash a FlyDubai flight bound for Israel has been identified. Latest reports reveal the co-pilot was an Omani national called Hamam al-Hammami.
The suspected attacker is an Omani citizen who was born in the United Arab Emirates to an Omani father and Syrian mother, sources told CNN. Saudi state media also named al-Hammami. They reported he was born in the United Arab Emirates to an Omani father and Syrian mother and had lived for several years in the UAE, one source confirmed.
A separate source, a regional diplomat, told CNN that the suspect had been withdrawn from flight training due to worries about his extremist beliefs.
He was subsequently assigned to another position at Oman’s flag carrier, the American network reported.
Tala Ramadan, Reuters’ Middle East correspondent, citing UAE state agency WAM, said: “The co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 attempted to carry out a ‘terrorist’ attack during the flight, the United Arab Emirates prosecutor general said on Saturday.”, reports the Express.
The prosecutor general revealed the co-pilot assaulted the pilot within the cockpit using an axe and tried to seize control of the plane. Investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, the underlying motives and any connected links, while examining physical and digital evidence, he added, according to the journalist.
FlyDubai stated it was unable to provide comment while authorities probe the incident. Flydubai’s chief executive officer, Ghaith Al Ghaith, has confirmed: “I am relieved to confirm that all 172 passengers and crew on board are safe and being cared for.
“This includes our Captain, who has now returned to the UAE following medical clearance. We will continue to provide everyone affected with the support they need.
“I want to express my deep gratitude to our crew, our Captain, and the pilots who secured the aircraft and landed it safely. I extend our sincere gratitude to the passengers on board who assisted our crew during a challenging situation.”
He also stated: “At the request of the authorities, we have temporarily suspended operations to Tel Aviv until further notice. Our teams are working around the clock to support passengers affected by disruptions and help them reach their final destinations.
“I know there are many questions about what happened on board FZ 1073. A full official investigation, led by the relevant authorities and fully supported by flydubai, is underway. It is important that we allow this process to establish the facts.”
The pilot who was stabbed by his first officer in an attempt to seize control of flight FZ1073 from the UAE to Tel Aviv, Israel, has been identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar, who has logged nearly 10,000 hours in the air.
“He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals. I wish Captain Machchhar a speedy and full recovery. He is a true hero,” Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu said. Netanyahu also met one of the passengers, Yaniv, whom the PM said “broke into the cockpit”.
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