Rome, Oct. 3 (LaPresse) – The United Arab Emirates are investigating the incident that occurred aboard a Flydubai flight, which was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attempted to take control of the aircraft in what authorities described as a “terrorist attack”, assaulting the captain with the emergency axe and causing the aircraft to enter a dangerous dive, with 182 people on board. Investigators are examining whether the co-pilot acted alone, whether he had links to extremist groups and how he managed to gain access to the cockpit. According to informed sources, al-Hammami had been removed from flight duty at Omani national carrier Oman Air over suspicions related to alleged extremist views and transferred to an administrative position before being hired by Flydubai; it is unclear what checks the airline carried out when hiring him. The co-pilot, who was born in the UAE to a Syrian mother, had reportedly also been banned from flying in Oman, a circumstance initially reported by The Wall Street Journal. The investigation involves the security agencies of four countries in the region, with assistance from the United States and other Western governments, to clarify the motive and any extremist links. The captain, who was seriously injured, said he used his remaining strength to unlock the cockpit door, allowing several people to enter, restrain the co-pilot and stabilize the aircraft. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of the co-pilot’s “Islamist radicalization”, without providing evidence. Both the captain and the co-pilot were subsequently transferred to the United Arab Emirates, where the investigation is continuing.
Middle East: UAE confirms “terrorist attack” on Flydubai flight
Rome, Oct. 3 (LaPresse) – The United Arab Emirates are investigating the incident that occurred aboard a Flydubai flight, which was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attempted to take control of the aircraft in what authorities described as a “terrorist attack”, assaulting the captain with the emergency axe and causing the aircraft to enter a dangerous dive, with 182 people on board. Investigators are examining whether the co-pilot acted alone, whether he had links to extremist groups and how he managed to gain access to the cockpit. According to informed sources, al-Hammami had been removed from flight duty at Omani national carrier Oman Air over suspicions related to alleged extremist views and transferred to an administrative position before being hired by Flydubai; it is unclear what checks the airline carried out when hiring him. The co-pilot, who was born in the UAE to a Syrian mother, had reportedly also been banned from flying in Oman, a circumstance initially reported by The Wall Street Journal. The investigation involves the security agencies of four countries in the region, with assistance from the United States and other Western governments, to clarify the motive and any extremist links. The captain, who was seriously injured, said he used his remaining strength to unlock the cockpit door, allowing several people to enter, restrain the co-pilot and stabilize the aircraft. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of the co-pilot’s “Islamist radicalization”, without providing evidence. Both the captain and the co-pilot were subsequently transferred to the United Arab Emirates, where the investigation is continuing.