{
  "id": 11682593,
  "title": "Axe-wielding FlyDubai co-pilot had been flagged over extremism concerns",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/axe-wielding-flydubai-co-pilot-had-been-flagged-over-extremism-11682593",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-03T12:28:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Global News",
    "slug": "global-news",
    "url": "https://globalnews.ca/news/12086540/axe-wielding-flydubai-co-pilot-extremism-concerns/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On an Israel-bound flight, a co-pilot wielding an axe attacked the captain, attempting to seize control of the sharply plummeting plane, according to officials. The assailant, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national, had been barred from flying with his own airline due to concerns regarding extremist views, according to Gulf and Western diplomat sources. The UAE, leading the investigation, described the incident as a \"terrorist attack.\" The co-pilot's actions nearly crashed the flight carrying 182 people before passengers and crew subdued him, averting a catastrophe. The incident has raised questions about the airline's vetting process for potential employees and how the individual managed to board a flight filled with Israeli passengers despite Israel's stringent security protocols. Israel and Oman do not share formal diplomatic relations. The UAE government has a track record of combating extremist activities but has faced criticism over security lapses in the past. The incident occurred during a significant period for Israel, with the country facing heightened tensions a week before the anniversary of the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which sparked the war in Gaza, and weeks before a contentious election centered around security concerns, including the October 7th security failures. The lone co-pilot, originally hired by Oman Air after being barred from flying by his country due to extremist views, was later employed by FlyDubai, though the extent of his vetting process remains unclear. Security agencies from four regional countries, including the United States and other Western governments, are working to determine the co-pilot's motives and whether he acted alone or had ties to extremist groups. Born in the UAE with a Syrian mother, al-Hammami obtained Omani nationality through his father. He had traveled to Syria, though no further details were provided. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alleged that the co-pilot had undergone \"Islamist radicalization\" following the incident, but no evidence was presented. A spokesperson from FlyDubai stated that the airline could only confirm its official statements and acknowledged the numerous questions surrounding the situation. Oman Air declined to comment, echoing the lack of public response from Oman's government. The co-pilot had completed a three-month theoretical training program with FlyDubai in 2025 but was not selected for employment after the training period. Royal Air Maroc, the Moroccan national carrier, reported that the co-pilot completed his training but was not hired. The co-pilot's Instagram account was deleted the day of the flight, adding to the mystery surrounding his background.",
  "summary": "The co-pilot accused of attacking the captain on an Israel-bound flight with an axe had been barred from flying on his country's airline because of concerns about extremist views.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "CityNews",
        "title": "Axe-wielding FlyDubai co-pilot had been flagged over extremism concerns",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/axe-wielding-flydubai-co-pilot-had-been-flagged-over-extremism",
        "published": "2026-10-03T05:42:27.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Flydubai co-pilot tried to carry out ‘terrorist act’, attacked captain with cockpit axe, UAE says",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/flydubai-co-pilot-tried-to-carry-out-terrorist-act-attacked-captain",
        "published": "2026-10-03T07:43:40.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "NDTV",
        "title": "flydubai Co-Pilot Attacked Pilot With Cockpit's Crash Axe In 'Terrorist Attack': UAE",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/flydubai-co-pilot-attacked-pilot-with-cockpits-crash-axe-in-terrorist",
        "published": "2026-10-03T08:02:20.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}