Co-pilot accused of trying to hijack Flydubai plane probably acted alone, Israeli sources say

Key Points:

• The co-pilot accused of attacking a colleague and attempting to seize control of a Flydubai flight to Israel likely acted alone, with no known links to any group or government, according to Israeli sources and ongoing investigations.
• The UAE, Israel, and Saudi Arabia are all investigating the incident, which involved the co-pilot attacking the captain with a crash ax in an attempted hijacking described as a “terrorist act” by the UAE attorney general.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the suspect underwent Islamist radical indoctrination, while US President Donald Trump suggested a possible link to Iran, though no confirmed connections have been established.
• The suspect, Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national with a history of extremist views and previous employment with Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc, had only worked for Flydubai for eight months; investigations into his background continue, including by the Australian Federal Police.
• Questions have arisen regarding security vetting, as Israel’s Transportation Ministry does not check flight crew names despite strict regulations, leading to criticism of the Israeli government and calls for the Transport Minister’s removal.