How was Flydubai co-pilot cleared despite being deemed a security risk?
A Flydubai co-pilot, identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, is accused of an attempted axe attack on the captain and seizing control of Flight FZ1073 on September 30, 2026. The incident has prompted scrutiny of aviation security protocols, as al-Hammami had previously been barred from flying in Oman due to concerns over alleged "extremist" views. Investigators are examining how he passed background checks and was hired by Flydubai, despite these prior concerns. The UAE has described the event as an attempted "terrorist" operation, and authorities are working to establish the motive and any potential connections. Questions are also being raised about how the co-pilot was allowed to fly to Israel, given Israel's stringent security measures and Oman's lack of diplomatic relations with Israel.