Co-pilot accused of trying to hijack flydubai plane likely acted alone: Reports
International investigators believe the co-pilot who attempted to hijack a flydubai flight likely acted alone. Authorities in Israel, the UAE, and Australia are continuing to probe the suspect's background and potential motives.
Why it matters
The incident raises significant concerns regarding aviation security and the vetting processes for airline personnel.
The flydubai co-pilot who attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar in an apparent bid to crash the Israel-bound flight likely acted alone, media reports said on Sunday (October 4, 2026).
The co-pilot has been identified by multiple media outlets as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national, although his identity has not been officially confirmed.
The Wall Street Journal reported that al-Hammami had previously been barred from flying in Oman over concerns about his radical ideological views.
International investigators are still working to determine a motive, but an Israeli official said information from the inquiry suggested the suspect acted alone, CNN reported.
Another Israeli source said that, at the moment, Israel does not know of any link to a group or government. Both stressed this was their understanding so far, the report added.
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