New Delhi : The flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking his captain, Smit Machchhar, and allegedly attempting to bring down a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight had previously been barred from flying in Oman over concerns about his ideological views. It remains unclear whether Oman shared its concerns about al-Hammami with other countries or airlines. The report also said the precise nature of his alleged radicalisation has not been established.
The flydubai co-pilot told investigators he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel, according to an i24NEWS English report citing sources briefed on the investigation. The latest revelation comes as investigators continue to examine the September 30 incident aboard flydubai Flight 1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with more than 170 passengers and crew on board.
During the steepest descent, the plane lost more than 16,000 feet of altitude in just over 30 seconds before stabilising. The aircraft later transmitted emergency signals indicating unlawful interference and diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia instead of continuing to Israel. The wounded captain was able to open the cockpit door during the emergency, allowing passengers to intervene, according to witness accounts cited by Israeli officials.
Two off-duty flydubai pilots who were travelling on the flight subsequently took control of the aircraft and helped land it safely in Tabuk, according to officials and passenger accounts. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the co-pilot had undergone what he described as “Islamist radical indoctrination” and appeared suicidal, though he did not provide evidence for the claim.
“We are now investigating whether he was sent, and whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price,” Netanyahu said in a video message posted on Friday. Israeli security officials have said they believe the pilot was likely acting alone, while stressing that the investigation remains ongoing. The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of aviation security procedures, particularly screening and monitoring of flight crews operating routes into Israel.
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