Omani Co-Pilot Radicalisation Trail Under Probe
Investigators examine reported extremist links, past aviation concerns and material recovered from the co-pilot’s belongings.
By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Media reports on Saturday said that the Omani co-pilot’s views had surfaced during his earlier aviation career, while investigators are also examining material recovered from his belongings.
The reported period in Syria, alleged exposure to extremist ideas, and suspected indoctrination into al-Qaeda ideology have emerged as key threads in the investigation into the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking an Indian captain aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv.
Hamam Alhamami, identified by Al Arabiya English sources as the co-pilot involved in the September 30 incident, had faced concerns about extremist views even before joining Flydubai, according to multiple reports.
Israel’s Channel 12 reported that investigators believe Alhamami underwent a process of indoctrination into “al-Qaeda’s ideology”. The report said he had also met unidentified religious figures as part of the alleged radicalisation process.
Investigators are examining that reported ideological journey alongside his previous aviation career and the attack aboard Flight FZ1073.
Al Arabiya English, cited sources, reported that Alhamami spent much of his time outside Oman, including in Syria.
The sources alleged that he was influenced by extremist and radical ideas during his time there before travelling to the UAE.
Media reported that he was born in the UAE to an Omani father and a Syrian mother and had spent several years of his life in the Emirates.
His time in Syria is now being examined alongside earlier concerns about his views.
Al Arabiya reported that the co-pilot had previously been prevented from flying in Oman because of those concerns.
It cited a diplomatic source as saying he had been removed from training at Oman’s national airline over concerns that he held radical views, before being moved to another role.
Media reported that Oman Air grounded the co-pilot in 2024 after discovering that he had been visiting radical Islamic websites.
A source cited by the network said he later moved to Dubai and alleged that Flydubai did not check with Oman Air before hiring him.
An Israeli official cited Alhamami had worked for Flydubai for about eight months. Another source said he had earlier worked for Royal Air Maroc.
The reports have intensified scrutiny of whether warning signs about his alleged ideological views were known before he entered Flydubai’s cockpit.
Investigators are also examining material said to have been found among Alhamami’s belongings.
i24NEWS, citing an Emirati source, reported that “Free Palestine” publications and other pro-Palestinian material were recovered.
The outlet said the co-pilot had repeatedly expressed support for Palestinians and hostility towards Israel.
Those reports are being examined as part of the investigation into his alleged radicalisation and possible terrorist motive.
The presence of political material, by itself, does not establish involvement in terrorism. Investigators are examining it alongside the other evidence reported in the case.
The investigation follows the attack aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 on September 30.
Alhamami allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit as the aircraft was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The aircraft entered a steep descent and a hijacking distress signal was transmitted.
Machchhar, despite suffering serious injuries, resisted the attack and managed to open the cockpit door.
Passengers and crew then helped restrain the co-pilot. Two non-duty aviators aboard the aircraft assisted in taking control before the plane was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
i24NEWS has since reported that the co-pilot told investigators he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar for his courage and presence of mind. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised the captain’s “unbelievable courage” and said a catastrophe comparable to “another 9/11” had been prevented.
Media reported that Alhamami was subsequently transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE, where the terrorism investigation is continuing.
The focus is increasingly on what happened before he entered the cockpit, and whether his alleged path towards extremism had left warning signs along the way.
