What we're learning about the FlyDubai co-pilot who allegedly stabbed the captain and tried to crash the plane

Live updates

1. 2h ago

   Omani co-pilot Hamam al Hammami identified in FlyDubai hijack attempt

   Hamam al Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani co-pilot, allegedly stabbed the captain of a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv FlyDubai flight with a crash axe in an attempt to crash the aircraft. The attack caused the plane to enter a sudden dive before passengers and crew subdued the suspect. The flight diverted to Saudi Arabia, where Hammami is being questioned. UAE and Israeli officials describe the event as an attempted terrorist attack, citing the suspect's history of extremist views and his alleged intent to target Ben Gurion airport.

   Why it matters

   The incident occurred on a packed flight approaching Israel. It has triggered international security investigations involving the UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Australia. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated the pilot prevented another 9/11.

   What is confirmed

   • The suspect is identified as 29-year-old Hamam al Hammami.
   • The co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
   • The aircraft diverted to Saudi Arabia following the cockpit brawl.
   • Passengers and crew members helped subdue the attacker.
   • The UAE attorney general characterized the incident as an attempted terrorist attack.
   • The suspect was previously barred from flying by Oman because of extremist views.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The attacker used a crash axe to carry out the stabbing.

   What to watch next

   • Results of the security investigation into Hammami's time in Australia.
   • Official motive established by investigators.
   • Formal charges filed by Saudi or UAE authorities.
   Sources used for this update (20)

   1. Reuters — Israel-bound flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after brawl between pilots, Israeli official says
   2. www.cbsnews.com — Dubai to Israel flight makes emergency landing, passenger says "co-pilot tried to murder the pilot" and crash jet
   3. The Washington Post — Who is the Indian pilot who fought off his cockpit attacker?
   4. Fox News — Pilot on Tel Aviv-bound FlyDubai 'prevented another 9/11,' Netanyahu says
   5. cbsnews.com — What we're learning about the FlyDubai co-pilot who allegedly stabbed the captain and tried to crash the plane
   6. The New York Times — FlyDubai Flight Live Updates: Investigators Seek to Establish Motive in Stabbing Attack
   7. AP News — Inside FlyDubai's 4-hour ordeal: A cockpit fight, steep descents and alternating distress codes
   8. usatoday.com — How a bleeding pilot, plumber and spare crew averted a plane crash
   9. www.cnn.com — Flydubai latest: Indian pilot who fought off apparent hijack attempt hailed a hero as passengers describe....
   10. www.cbsnews.com — What we're learning about the FlyDubai co-pilot who allegedly ...
   11. www.theguardian.com — Flydubai co-pilot used crash axe to attack captain, says UAE | Flydubai plane incident
   12. www.standard.co.uk — Who is Hamam al Hammami? FlyDubai pilot who ‘stabbed captain and tried to hijack plane’ studied at British university
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