RismadarVoice Reporters
October 4, 2026
Questions are mounting over aviation security screening after a Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a flight bound for Israel was reported to have previously faced restrictions over security concerns.
The co-pilot, identified in multiple reports as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, is accused of attacking the captain aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 on September 30 and attempting to take control of the aircraft.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have described the incident as a suspected terrorist operation, although investigators have not publicly established a motive or determined whether anyone else was involved.
Reports citing people familiar with al-Hammami’s employment history said he had previously been prevented from flying in Oman over concerns about alleged extremist views and reassigned to an administrative position at Oman Air.
He subsequently left the airline and was later employed by Flydubai.
However, it remains unclear what specific concerns had previously been raised about him, whether those concerns were formally communicated to other aviation authorities or airlines, and what information was available when he was hired.
A Gulf diplomatic source said the co-pilot underwent standard security screening before joining Flydubai, although the extent of those checks has not been publicly detailed.
The case has renewed scrutiny of how airlines and governments exchange security information about pilots operating internationally.
Commercial pilots generally undergo medical and professional assessments, while security requirements vary between airlines and jurisdictions. Personnel with access to restricted airport areas may also be subject to background screening.
The incident has also prompted questions in Israel because authorities reportedly received information about the flight’s passengers and crew before its departure.
Israeli regulations require airlines to provide passenger and crew information ahead of flights, allowing relevant authorities to conduct security assessments.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said existing arrangements were intended to prevent certain foreign pilots from operating flights to Israel and described the latest incident as exposing a “loophole” in the system.
Israeli authorities have indicated that security procedures will be strengthened following the incident.
The fact that the accused co-pilot is an Omani national has also attracted attention because Oman does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Israel.
Investigators in the UAE have yet to publicly announce whether they believe the accused acted alone or whether the incident was connected to a wider organisation.
The investigation is continuing as authorities examine how the co-pilot was cleared to operate the flight and whether weaknesses in information sharing or background screening contributed to the security lapse.
