REVEALED: Real identity of FlyDubai co-pilot who reportedly stabbed captain in cockpit

The co-pilot accused of stabbing the captain of a FlyDubai passenger aircraft travelling to Israel has been identified as an Omani national, Hamam al-Hammami, as investigators probe his background and possible motive.

Three people familiar with the incident, including a Gulf diplomat and a Western diplomat, disclosed his identity on Saturday. They spoke anonymously because they were not authorised to discuss the investigation publicly.

The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain while the aircraft was en route to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, forcing passengers and other crew members to intervene.

According to one of the diplomats, investigators are examining whether al-Hammami acted alone or had links to an extremist organisation.

The Gulf diplomat said investigations are underway to establish whether he acted as a “lone wolf or has any connection with any extremist groups.”

A person familiar with the matter also disclosed that al-Hammami had previously been prevented from flying by Omani authorities over concerns that he had developed extremist views.

Despite the restriction, the co-pilot was subsequently employed by FlyDubai, a United Arab Emirates-based airline, according to the source, who also spoke anonymously because of the ongoing investigation.

It remains unclear how thoroughly his background was examined before he was employed by the airline.

The aircraft, which was carrying 182 people, reportedly went into a steep descent during the incident, with officials saying the co-pilot nearly caused the plane to crash.

The circumstances that enabled al-Hammami to occupy a cockpit position on the flight have consequently emerged as a major focus of the investigation.

The case also raises questions about aviation arrangements involving Israel and countries that do not have diplomatic relations with the country.

Israel says it has long-standing agreements with international airlines that restrict pilots who are citizens of countries without diplomatic ties with Israel from operating flights into the country.

Oman and Israel do not maintain formal diplomatic relations.

FlyDubai, the UAE government and Oman Air had not issued immediate comments on the development. Oman’s government has also not publicly responded to repeated requests for comment since the incident.

The incident has heightened attention on security procedures involving flight crews, particularly the vetting and clearance of pilots operating international routes.