Background of Co-Pilot Who Stabbed Captain on FlyDubai Flight Being Investigated

The investigation is continuing into all aspects of the incident aboard a FlyDubai passenger flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, where the co-pilot attempted to crash the aircraft by stabbing the captain before being stopped by people on board.

In-Flight Attack

It was announced that as a FlyDubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv was approaching Israel, the co-pilot stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the plane.

Emergency Landing and Intervention

After the captain fought back and opened the cockpit door, passengers and two off-duty pilots on board subdued the attacker.

The plane made a safe emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Casualties and Passenger Status

While there were a total of 174 people on the plane and no passengers were seriously injured, the captain was wounded by stab wounds.

Saudi authorities reported that two crew members were taken to the hospital with unspecified injuries.

Identity and Background of the Attacker

According to sources conducting the investigation, the attacker's name is Hamam al Hamami, and he is the child of a Syrian mother and an Omani father.

It was stated that Al Hamami previously worked briefly for Oman Air and was identified by the Omani government as having visited radical websites.

Course of the Investigation

While the interrogation of the co-pilot, who was extradited to the United Arab Emirates, continues, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the attacker underwent Islamist radicalization.

The UAE public prosecution confirmed that the attacker injured the captain with an emergency axe in the cockpit.