Al-Qaeda Hails Flydubai Hijacker as Social Media History Reveals Radicalization
Al-Qaeda’s Yemen branch praised the failed Flydubai hijacking in its weekly publication, calling for similar attacks on US and Israeli airlines. Meanwhile, new reports reveal that the accused co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, posted extremist views on social media while studying in the UK, including calls for violence against women and severe punishments for Jews and homosexuals.
Key points
- Al-Qaeda’s Yemen-based branch (AQAP) published an editorial in 'Al-Bayan' titled 'Between September 11 and September 30,' praising the Omani co-pilot and urging attacks on US and Israeli airlines.
- The editorial claimed that a successful hijacking could have shifted regional power dynamics and stated that even non-Muslims could serve Islamic interests by attacking the US and Israel.
- Hamam al-Hammami, 29, was identified as the co-pilot who attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe on September 30, 2026, causing the Boeing 737 to plunge nearly 14,000 feet before passengers subdued him.
- Analysis of over 2,000 posts from an X account linked to al-Hammami between November 2021 and August 2022 revealed extreme misogyny, including calls to 'stomp on' women, and advocacy for Sharia punishments against Jews and homosexuals.
- Al-Hammami was studying aviation management remotely at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) in the UK when these posts were made; the university is now reviewing his course after his license to sponsor international students was suspended by the British government.
- Al-Hammami was previously removed from Oman Air last year due to concerns about his extremist Islamist views, and posts linking him to suicide bombers and al-Qaeda leaders appeared on his LinkedIn profile nine hours after the incident.
Background
This incident follows a broader pattern of scrutiny regarding extremist views in aviation security, as seen in earlier debates over Sharia law comparisons in US politics. The Flydubai incident highlights the risks of radicalization among crew members, particularly those with prior employment issues related to extremist ideologies.
How outlets are covering it
The New York Post emphasizes the personal radicalization of al-Hammami, citing his social media posts that celebrated violence against women and expressed hatred for Jews and homosexuals. NDTV, however, focuses on the broader geopolitical implications, highlighting Al-Qaeda’s editorial that frames the failed hijacking as a continuation of the 'war' against the US and Israel. While the Post attributes the social media analysis to the Telegraph, NDTV provides the direct quotes from Al-Qaeda’s publication, offering a different lens on the event’s significance.
Why it matters
The incident underscores the ongoing threat of terrorism in aviation and the importance of vetting crew members for extremist views. The Al-Qaeda editorial signals a potential increase in targeted attacks on US and Israeli airlines, raising global security concerns.
What to watch
Investigations into al-Hammami’s background and the review of his course at Buckinghamshire New University are ongoing. Al-Qaeda’s call for more attacks may lead to heightened security measures for US and Israeli airlines, while authorities continue to monitor for similar incidents.
- Accused flydubai hijacker celebrated beating women, Sharia law in sickening social media posts: ‘Stomp on her head’ New York Post
- "War Isn't Over": Al-Qaeda Praises flydubai Co-Pilot, Calls For More Attacks NDTV
- Al Qaeda calls for copycats to target US citizens on planes while praising Dubai flight hijacker: ‘America will end’ New York Post
- Al-Qaeda supporters hail flydubai attacker, urge copycat strikes on Israeli, US planes Ynetnews
- Flydubai latest: Pilot accused of trying to hijack plane in 'terror attack' studied at British university Sky News
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