Report: Flydubai co-pilot identified as Omani national previously flagged as security risk

Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, the co-pilot accused of stabbing the captain of FlyDubai Flight 1073 and causing a crash, had been previously barred from flying due to radical ideological concerns, according to the Wall Street Journal. Hammami, who was later employed by FlyDubai and assigned to flights between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, had his earlier ban's specifics and whether it was communicated to other countries or airlines unknown.

The U.A.E. is spearheading the investigation, but has not commented on Hammami's past, citing the ongoing probe. FlyDubai and the Omani government also declined to comment. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident terrorism and stated Israel was probing whether the co-pilot acted alone or with others. Flight 1073 was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the attack occurred.

The captain, despite being injured, managed to open the cockpit door and enable passengers and crew to subdue the alleged attacker. Two reserve pilots aboard the plane then stabilized the aircraft and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The captain and co-pilot were transported to the U.A.E., with Israel seeking to question the suspect.

FlyDubai has suspended flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv pending further investigation. Aviation-security experts deemed the incident a significant security failure, as pilots undergo security screenings and medical checks. An Israeli official previously requested strengthened security for Tel Aviv-bound flights at Dubai Airport.

Israeli airlines also suspended Dubai-Israel services for several months due to security concerns arising from the Iran war.