Report says Flydubai co-pilot had previously been barred from flying in Oman
A Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain during a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight had previously been prohibited from flying in Oman over security concerns, according to reports citing unnamed sources. Investigators are still examining the September 30 incident, including the alleged motive and aviation-security questions.
The Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain during a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight had previously been barred from flying in Oman, according to reports citing people familiar with the matter. The Wall Street Journal reported that Omani authorities had prohibited the co-pilot, identified by Saudi broadcaster Al Arabiya as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, from flying because of concerns about his ideological views. ABC News separately reported that he had been suspended by Oman Air after being flagged as a security risk.
The reports did not establish the precise nature of the alleged radicalisation or whether Oman shared its concerns with other countries or airlines. Omani authorities and representatives for the co-pilot had not publicly commented, according to the supplied material. The allegations follow the September 30 incident aboard Flydubai Flight 1073, which was carrying more than 170 passengers and crew from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Israeli and Saudi officials said the co-pilot wounded the captain during the flight. Flight-tracking data reviewed by Reuters showed the aircraft making a sharp turn and losing altitude twice over Saudi Arabia before stabilising. The aircraft diverted to Tabuk after transmitting emergency signals indicating unlawful interference.
Witness accounts said the captain opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers to restrain the co-pilot. Two off-duty Flydubai pilots then helped land the aircraft safely. Israeli officials said the co-pilot appeared to have tried to crash the plane, but investigators have not reached a final conclusion.
Flydubai said a full investigation was under way, with the UAE leading it and Saudi Arabia conducting the initial inquiry.
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