The co-pilot accused of attacking a FlyDubai captain and attempting to hijack an Israel-bound flight had previously completed a distance-learning course at a UK university. Omani national Hamam al Hammami has been named as the co-pilot who attacked the flight’s captain with the cockpit’s crash axe, according to the Associated Press (AP).
University confirms course
Buckinghamshire New University confirmed to the Press Association that al Hammami completed a distance-learning course in aviation management. A spokesman for the university said: “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.”
According to the university’s website, its aviation management courses “look into the background operations, logistics, security and management of the aviation industry”.
Incident details
Passengers and crew subdued the alleged attacker as the plane dropped from 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet (10,000 metres to 5,100 metres) in about a minute. The aircraft, travelling from the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv carrying 182 people, was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
The co-pilot, who officials said nearly crashed the aircraft, had been barred from flying by Oman over concerns he had adopted extremist views, according to reports.
Investigation and reaction
Investigators are working to establish whether al Hammami acted alone, or whether he has connections with any extremist groups, AP reported. In a post on X, United Arab Emirates (UAE) senior adviser Anwar Gargash branded Wednesday’s attack “a dangerous terrorist act”.
