Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking his captain, Smit Machchhar, and allegedly attempting to bring down a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight had previously been barred from flying in Oman over concerns about his ideological views, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
The co-pilot, whom Saudi broadcaster Al Arabiya identified as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, citing sources, had previously been prohibited by Omani authorities from flying before he was later hired by Flydubai, the WSJ report said.
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According to the newspaper, it remains unclear whether Oman shared its concerns about al-Hammami with other countries or airlines. The report also said the precise nature of his alleged radicalisation has not been established.
ABC News reported that the Flydubai co-pilot had earlier been suspended from flying by Oman Air after being flagged as a security risk.
The Flydubai co-pilot told investigators he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel, according to an i24NEWS English report citing sources briefed on the investigation.
The latest revelation comes as investigators continue to examine the September 30 incident aboard Flydubai Flight 1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with more than 170 passengers and crew on board.
CAPTAIN STABBED, FLIGHT PLUNGES MID-AIR
According to Israeli and Saudi officials, the co-pilot attacked and wounded the captain during the flight, triggering a dramatic emergency in the cockpit.
Flight-tracking data reviewed by Reuters showed the aircraft making a sudden sharp turn and plunging twice while flying over Saudi Arabia. During the steepest descent, the plane lost more than 16,000 feet of altitude in just over 30 seconds before stabilising.
The aircraft later transmitted emergency signals indicating unlawful interference and diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia instead of continuing to Israel.
Israeli officials have said the co-pilot appeared to be attempting to crash the aircraft, though investigators have not publicly reached a final conclusion on the motive.
PASSENGERS HELPED OVERPOWER CO-PILOT
The wounded captain was able to open the cockpit door during the emergency, allowing passengers to intervene, according to witness accounts cited by Israeli officials.
Several passengers rushed into the cockpit and restrained the co-pilot. Witnesses said he was later tied up using cables while a doctor on board treated the injured captain.
Two off-duty Flydubai pilots who were travelling on the flight subsequently took control of the aircraft and helped land it safely in Tabuk, according to officials and passenger accounts.
Videos verified by Reuters showed both pilots injured and the co-pilot restrained inside the cabin.
QUESTIONS REMAIN OVER MOTIVE
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the co-pilot had undergone what he described as “Islamist radical indoctrination” and appeared suicidal, though he did not provide evidence for the claim.
“We are now investigating whether he was sent, and whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price,” Netanyahu said in a video message posted on Friday.
Israeli security officials have said they believe the pilot was likely acting alone, while stressing that the investigation remains ongoing.
Israel’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates has said no motive has yet been established.
Neither Omani authorities nor representatives for the co-pilot have publicly commented on the allegations.
SECURITY SCRUTINY INTENSIFIES
The incident has prompted renewed scrutiny of aviation security procedures, particularly screening and monitoring of flight crews operating routes into Israel.
Netanyahu said Israel would review the “loophole” that allowed an Omani pilot to operate a Tel Aviv-bound flight.
Flydubai said on Friday that a full investigation into the incident was underway.
The UAE, where the aircraft is registered, is leading the investigation. Saudi authorities conducted the initial inquiry after the aircraft’s emergency landing, while Israel has indicated it may participate in the broader probe.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
