FlyDubai co-pilot identified as Omani national barred in 2024 over extremism fears
The co-pilot accused of attacking a captain on FlyDubai Flight 1073 has been identified as Hamam al-Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani national. He was previously barred from flying for Oman Air in 2024 due to concerns about extremist views. The attack, which involved a crash axe, caused the plane to lose 17,000 feet before passengers subdued the attacker, allowing a reserve crew to land the aircraft safely in Saudi Arabia.