Axe-wielding FlyDubai co-pilot had been flagged over extremism concerns
The co-pilot who attacked a flydubai captain with an axe was previously barred from flying by Oman due to concerns over extremist views. The incident has prompted scrutiny regarding the airline's vetting processes and international security protocols.
Why it matters
This incident exposes potential gaps in international aviation security and the vetting of pilots across borders, particularly regarding extremist threats.
CAIRO: The co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of an Israel-bound flight with an axe and trying to seize the controls was an Omani national who had been barred from flying on his country’s airline because of concerns about extremist views, officials said Saturday (Oct 3).
The co-pilot has been identified as Hamam al-Hammami, according to three people with knowledge of the situation, including a Gulf and a Western diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media.
The United Arab Emirates, which is leading the investigation, said the co-pilot attacked with the cockpit’s crash axe and tried to take control of the plummeting plane in a "terrorist attack" Wednesday. His actions nearly crashed the flight with 182 people on board before passengers and others rushed in and subdued him.
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