FlyDubai attacker was under flight ban, held radical views: report
Investigation into FlyDubai attack reveals attacker was already under flight ban and held radical views, raising serious aviation security concerns.
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian Captain Smit Machhar on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv has been identified as Hamam al-Hammami. An investigation has reportedly found that Omani authorities had previously barred him from flying in the country over alleged ideological concerns. Despite this, he later joined Flydubai and operated international flights. The circumstances surrounding his employment and whether his background was shared with other authorities or airlines are being examined.
On September 30, Flydubai flight FZ-1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with more than 170 passengers and crew members when a violent confrontation reportedly broke out between the two pilots after the aircraft approached Saudi Arabian airspace. The co-pilot allegedly attacked and injured Captain Machhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Despite his injuries, Machhar managed to open the cockpit door, after which passengers entered and restrained the co-pilot. The aircraft then rapidly lost altitude dropping around 16,000 feet in a short period before two off-duty pilots helped regain control. The aircraft subsequently landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Investigating agencies are examining the co-pilot's motive, whether he acted alone and how he was cleared to work on international flights despite earlier security concerns. Israeli officials have alleged that he intended to crash the aircraft but investigators have not yet reached a final conclusion. Authorities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel are examining different aspects of the incident including the recruitment and security-screening process. Captain Smit Machhar's actions after being injured helped maintain control of the situation and contributed to the safe landing of the aircraft.