Oman Reportedly Barred Flydubai Co-Pilot From Flying Over Extremism Concerns

Omani authorities had reportedly restricted a co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a Flydubai flight from flying in the country because of concerns over suspected extremist views, according to reports cited by The Times of Israel. The development has raised questions about the pilot’s earlier employment history and whether the concerns were communicated to other aviation authorities or airlines.

The co-pilot, identified in the report as 29-year-old Hamam al-Hammami, was allegedly involved in an incident on September 30 aboard a Flydubai aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to reports, he attacked the flight’s captain inside the cockpit and allegedly attempted to take control of the aircraft.

The aircraft reportedly entered a steep descent during the incident before passengers and other crew members intervened. The plane subsequently diverted and made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The incident is now being investigated by authorities, with the co-pilot’s background forming part of the inquiry.

Al-Hammami had reportedly previously worked for Oman Air. According to the report, he was removed from flying duties and transferred to another position after concerns were raised about his views. Reports also claimed that material described as extremist was found in his possession in 2024. The precise nature of the concerns reportedly raised by Omani authorities remains unclear. It is also not known whether the information was formally shared with other governments, airlines or aviation regulators after he was reportedly restricted from flying in Oman.

Investigators are examining the co-pilot’s employment history, online activity and other aspects of his background as they try to establish a possible motive for the alleged cockpit attack. Reports have also said that social-media accounts apparently linked to al-Hammami had been deleted. Some material reportedly associated with those accounts referenced figures linked to al-Qaeda.

The allegations about his extremist views and previous restrictions remain subject to investigation. Authorities have yet to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident or determine whether his previous employment history played a role in the alleged attack. Flydubai has said it would not comment beyond its official statements while the investigation is ongoing. Oman Air and the Omani government have reportedly not publicly addressed questions about the alleged restrictions placed on al-Hammami.

The incident has renewed attention on aviation security and the procedures used to assess pilots and other aviation personnel when concerns about their conduct or beliefs emerge. Investigators are expected to examine how the co-pilot was able to continue working in the aviation sector after reportedly being removed from flying duties in Oman. Further details are expected as authorities continue their investigation into the cockpit incident and the co-pilot’s background.