Flydubai Omani Co-Pilot Hamam Al-Hammami: What We Know About the Pilot

The Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian captain Smit Machchhar had worked for Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc before joining flydubai earlier this year.

By All India Story

3 Oct 2026, 11:45 AM IST 2 min read

Flydubai Omani co-pilot Hamam Al-Hammami linked to cockpit attack — The Omani co-pilot identified as Hamam Al-Hammami is accused of attacking the Indian captain aboard a flydubai flight.

Fresh details have emerged about the flydubai Omani co-pilot, identified as Hamam Al-Hammami, who allegedly attacked Indian captain Smit Machchhar aboard flight FZ1073 on September 30. The Israel-bound aircraft experienced a major emergency before passengers and crew regained control and landed safely.

Al-Hammami is reportedly the son of an Omani father and Syrian mother and spent much of his life in the UAE. His exact nationality has not been officially confirmed by Oman. Reports have also raised the possibility that he held dual citizenship.

Before joining flydubai around eight months ago, Al-Hammami reportedly worked with Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc. During his time at Oman Air, concerns were reportedly raised over his alleged extremist views and visits to radical websites. He was subsequently removed from flying duties and assigned an office role before leaving the airline.

Questions over his social media activity

Further scrutiny has focused on an online profile reportedly belonging to Al-Hammami, although its ownership could not be independently confirmed. The profile has since been removed.

The account reportedly contained aviation-related material, including footage of a Boeing 737 Max cockpit and an Israeli El Al aircraft. Another video appeared to reference a flight operated during his time at Oman Air.

The video reportedly ended with images of former al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri and another extremist figure associated with the organisation. These details have added to questions surrounding the co-pilot’s background and possible motives.

Investigation continues

Colleagues reportedly described Al-Hammami as deeply religious and said he prayed frequently. Other reports have also raised questions about his conduct and beliefs.

He is currently in UAE custody as authorities investigate the cockpit incident. The precise motive and whether the attack was connected to terrorism or a wider plot have not been conclusively established.

The investigation will now have to establish how earlier concerns, if confirmed, were handled and how Al-Hammami was able to continue working as a commercial pilot before the incident.