Flydubai co-pilot was previously banned from flying in Oman over extremist views
Omani authorities had barred the co-pilot accused of attacking a Flydubai captain on September 30 from flying due to concerns over his extremist views. The incident forced an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Multiple media outlets report that Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, identified as the co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a Flydubai flight on September 30, had previously been banned by Omani authorities from flying over concerns about his extremist views.
The incident occurred on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to reports, the co-pilot assaulted the Indian captain, who managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to subdue the attacker and force an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the suspect had undergone "Islamist radical indoctrination" and had attempted to crash the aircraft.
Multiple outlets confirm earlier warnings
The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter, that Omani authorities had banned the pilot from flying due to concerns he had adopted radical ideological views. CNN, citing two sources familiar with the matter, reported that the pilot had been removed from a job at Oman's national airline last year over the same concerns.
Al Arabiya, citing an informed source, reported that Omani authorities had determined the co-pilot held extremist views, adding that he had spent time in Syria, raising concerns he may have been influenced by radical groups there.
ABC News, citing senior intelligence and law enforcement officials familiar with the investigation, reported that the suspect had allegedly been found in possession of extremist materials while he was a trainee.
