Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked Indian captain Smit Machchhar aboard an Israel-bound flight on September 30. Reports say the incident involved an apparent attempt to take control of the aircraft. UAE authorities currently hold the co-pilot as investigators examine the incident. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously said the pilot underwent alleged Islamist radicalisation. However, authorities have not released detailed evidence supporting that statement. Al Arabiya identified the co-pilot as Hamam al-Hammami in its reports. Sources described him as the son of an Omani father and Syrian mother. Reports also said he spent most of his life in the UAE. Oman has not officially confirmed his nationality. Some reports have raised the possibility of dual citizenship. Investigators are examining these details as part of the wider inquiry.
Flydubai Career History Under Investigation
Al-Hammami reportedly worked with Oman Air before joining Royal Air Maroc. He later joined flydubai approximately eight months before the September incident. A colleague reportedly told Israel’s Channel 16 that he joined around February 2026. Reports claim Oman Air previously raised concerns about his alleged extremist views. The airline reportedly removed him from flying duties and assigned him office work. He eventually left the airline around 2025, according to reports. A LinkedIn profile carrying his name listed seven years at Oman Air. The profile also showed Royal Air Maroc employment beginning in June 2025. It stated that he left the Moroccan airline in January 2026. However, India Today could not independently confirm the profile belonged to him. The employment timeline broadly matches reports about his later flydubai career. Investigators will likely examine his previous employment records and security assessments.
Reports have also revealed details about al-Hammami’s education and workplace behaviour. His reported LinkedIn profile listed Buckinghamshire New University in the United Kingdom. CNN reported that a university source confirmed his aviation management studies. According to the report, he completed a three-year aviation management course in 2023. A flydubai colleague reportedly described him as deeply religious. The colleague also said he prayed frequently during his time with the airline. The colleague claimed that al-Hammami avoided shaking hands with women. The Times of Israel also reported similar comments about his behaviour. Such personal religious practices alone do not establish extremist activity. Investigators must determine whether his beliefs influenced the alleged cockpit attack. They are also examining his professional conduct and aviation training. Authorities may review his previous assignments and interactions with colleagues. These details could help investigators establish a clearer timeline before the incident.
Also Read : UP Shock: Two Saints Murdered, Bodies Burnt Inside Shahjahanpur Temple
Social Media Posts Raise Questions
Investigators have also examined social media activity reportedly connected to al-Hammami. CNN reported that his LinkedIn profile contained two posts before its removal. Both posts reportedly appeared on the day of the September 30 incident. Investigators believe the posts may have been scheduled earlier. One video reportedly showed the cockpit of a Boeing 737 Max aircraft. Another clip allegedly showed an El Al aircraft at Dubai International Airport. A separate cockpit video reportedly displayed Oman Air flight OMA624. The footage carried the date October 11, 2023, according to CNN. The video reportedly ended with an image of former al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. It also reportedly featured Humam Khalil Abu-Mulal al-Balawi. Al-Balawi carried out a 2009 suicide bombing that killed nine people. CNN also analysed his earlier X posts using an AI-based system. Some posts reportedly expressed strict views about women, marriage and workplaces.
Authorities from Israel, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are investigating the incident. Investigators are examining how al-Hammami became part of the flight crew. They are also reviewing his previous employment and reported social media activity. Netanyahu said Friday that the emerging information pointed towards Islamist radicalisation. He also alleged that the pilot intended to crash the aircraft. Authorities have not yet released a complete account of the alleged attack. Investigators will examine his travel records, communications and professional history. They will also assess whether previous concerns received appropriate attention. Questions surrounding his nationality and eligibility for Israel-bound flights remain important. Oman does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, according to reports. Investigators will determine whether his citizenship status affected his ability to operate flights. The ongoing probe could provide more details about his background and motivations. Officials are expected to release further findings as the investigation progresses.