Identity and Background Determined for Second Pilot Who Carried Out Axe Attack on FlyDubai Flight

It was reported that the co-pilot, who attacked the captain with an axe in the cockpit and attempted to crash a FlyDubai plane en route to Israel, had previously been banned from flying in Oman due to extremist views.

Background of the Incident and Identification

The co-pilot who attacked the captain with a crash axe in the cockpit of a FlyDubai flight to Israel and attempted to seize flight controls was identified as Hamam al-Hammami. The attack, which was stopped by the intervention of 182 passengers and crew on board, has raised questions regarding airline security.

Flight Ban in Oman and Recruitment Process

According to information provided by authorities, al-Hammami, an Omani national, was removed from flight duties and reassigned to an administrative role by his country's airline, Oman Air, due to his extremist views. Following this ban, how the pilot passed security screenings after being hired by FlyDubai has become a subject of debate.

International Investigation and Intelligence Operations

Security agencies from four regional countries, along with the US and Western governments, are working jointly in the investigation led by the United Arab Emirates. Diplomatic sources stated that in the preliminary investigation, no ties to any militant group have been found and the pilot may have acted alone.

Diplomacy with Israel and Security Measures

The fact that an Omani citizen, whose country has no official diplomatic relations with Israel, served on this flight raised questions about how the nation's strict security protocols were bypassed. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the pilot underwent a process of Islamist radicalization, the incident occurred during a sensitive period.