FlyDubai co-pilot studied at UK university before alleged hijack attempt
Hamam al Hammami, who allegedly attacked the captain, completed a distance-learning aviation management course at Buckinghamshire New University.
Incident → evidence → outcomeCo-pilot Hamam al Hammami, an Omani national, allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe during a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The United Arab Emirates prosecutor general stated that al Hammami attempted to take control of the aircraft.
The flight, carrying more than 170 people, experienced a significant drop of 17,000ft approximately two and a half hours into its journey. Passengers on board managed to overpower the alleged attacker and regain control of the plane, averting a potential disaster.
Background and Allegations
Israeli officials have put forward claims that al Hammami intended to crash the plane, drawing parallels to a 9/11-style attack. Sources cited by the Associated Press suggest that Oman had previously banned al Hammami from flying due to concerns over extremist views before his employment by Flydubai.
Buckinghamshire New University confirmed that Hamam al Hammami was enrolled on one of its remote courses. He completed a three-year distance-learning programme in aviation management and graduated in 2023. The university clarified that he did not undertake any pilot training at their institution.
A spokesperson for the university stated, "Our thoughts are with the injured pilot, crew and passengers involved in this incident. Hamam al Hammami previously completed a distance-learning course in aviation management. He did not undertake any pilot training at the University."
Flydubai has stated that the circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation by the airline.
Questions this report answers
01What happened on the FlyDubai flight?
Co-pilot Hamam al Hammami allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe and attempted to hijack the plane. The aircraft then plunged 17,000ft before passengers intervened and regained control.
02Did the co-pilot receive pilot training at the UK university?
No, Hamam al Hammami studied aviation management at Buckinghamshire New University through a distance-learning course and graduated in 2023. The university has confirmed he did not undertake any pilot training there.
03What do Israeli officials claim about the co-pilot's intentions?
Israeli officials claim that the co-pilot, Hamam al Hammami, intended to crash the plane as a 9/11-style attack. The UAE prosecutor general is investigating the full circumstances and motives.
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