The investigation into the attempted mid-air attack on a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv has shifted focus to the background of its Omani co-pilot, with reports pointing to alleged radicalisation, a previous ban from flying in Oman and concerns over extremist views that had surfaced years earlier.

The co-pilot has been identified by Al Arabiya English sources as Hamam Alhamami. According to reports cited by Israeli and regional media, investigators are examining whether Alhamami was indoctrinated into al-Qaeda’s ideology and whether his time in Syria played a role in his alleged radicalisation.

The reports have also raised questions over how he was able to move from a career that had reportedly been affected by concerns about his views to a position with Flydubai.

Who is Hamam Alhamami?

Alhamami is an Omani national who was working as the co-pilot of Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.

According to Al Arabiya English sources, he had previously spent considerable time outside Oman, particularly in Syria, where he was allegedly exposed to extremist and radical ideas before later travelling to the UAE.

CNN separately reported that he was born in the UAE to an Omani father and Syrian mother and had spent several years in the UAE.

His reported history has now become a central part of the investigation into the attack aboard the Flydubai aircraft.

Why was he previously barred from flying?

One of the key questions emerging from the investigation is why Alhamami was previously removed from aviation duties in Oman despite later securing employment with Flydubai.

According to sources cited by Al Arabiya English, Alhamami had earlier been barred from flying in Oman over concerns about extremist views. CNN reported that he had also been removed from a training role at Oman’s national airline after concerns were raised about alleged radical views.

Fox News, citing a source familiar with the matter, reported that Oman Air grounded him in 2024 after discovering that he had been visiting radical Islamic websites.

The same source said Alhamami subsequently moved to Dubai. The report also raised questions about whether Flydubai had checked with Oman Air before hiring him.

These reports are now part of the broader investigation into how someone who had allegedly attracted concerns during his earlier aviation career came to operate a passenger flight to Israel.

What is the al-Qaeda connection?

The alleged connection to al-Qaeda ideology is one of the most significant new strands in the investigation.

According to Israel’s Channel 12, investigators found that Alhamami had undergone a process of indoctrination into “al-Qaeda’s ideology” and had met unspecified religious figures during what investigators believe was his radicalisation.

The reported period he spent in Syria is also being examined as part of that history.

At the same time, reports have referred to other material and statements allegedly linked to the co-pilot. i24NEWS, citing an Emirati source, reported that leaflets and publications associated with “Free Palestine” groups, along with other pro-Palestinian material, were found among his belongings.

The outlet also reported that he had repeatedly expressed support for Palestinians and hostility towards Israel. Investigators are examining the material and his statements as part of a wider probe into possible extremist and terrorist motives.

Did he intend to crash the plane in Israel?

According to i24NEWS, sources briefed on the investigation said Alhamami told investigators that he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel.

The report said such a plan could have resulted in a disaster on the scale of the September 11 attacks.

The allegation is particularly significant because Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the attack took place.

The incident began when Alhamami attacked Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit. The aircraft then went into a steep descent, losing approximately 16,000 feet within two minutes before a hijacking distress signal was transmitted.

Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door. Crew members and passengers entered the cockpit and restrained the attacker, while two non-duty aviators travelling on the flight helped take control of the aircraft.

The plane eventually made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All 180 people aboard subsequently disembarked without injury.

Captain Smit Machchhar praised for preventing disaster

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar for his courage and presence of mind. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also praised the Indian pilot, saying his actions and those of the passengers helped prevent what could have been a “9/11-style” tragedy.

The investigation is now looking beyond the dramatic cockpit struggle to the events that preceded it — including Alhamami’s reported radicalisation, his time in Syria, previous concerns over his extremist views and how he ultimately came to operate a passenger flight bound for Tel Aviv.

With ANI inputs