Flydubai probe points to lone co-pilot in attack on Captain Machchhar

Investigators believe the flydubai co-pilot who attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar on an Israel-bound flight likely acted alone, according to multiple media reports. The inquiry is being led by the United Arab Emirates, while Israel and Saudi Arabia are also investigating the incident.

The co-pilot has been identified by several media outlets as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national, though his identity has not been officially confirmed. The Wall Street Journal reported that he had earlier been barred from flying in Oman over concerns about his radical ideological views.

CNN, citing an Israeli official, reported that information from the inquiry suggested the suspect acted alone. Another Israeli source said that, at the moment, Israel does not know of any link to a group or government. Both officials said this was their understanding so far.

CBS News also reported that the alleged attempted hijacking was likely a lone-wolf attack. It said the investigation was still in full swing and that all avenues were still being explored, according to an early Israeli investigation.

On Wednesday, flydubai flight FZ1073, carrying 174 passengers, narrowly avoided disaster on its journey from Dubai. During the attack on the captain, the aircraft transmitted emergency signals and made a rapid descent of more than 17,000 feet from 34,000 feet, plummeting thousands of feet within minutes. Despite being wounded, Captain Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door and signal distress to passengers and crew, who rushed into the cockpit and helped regain control of the aircraft.

The UAE, which is leading the investigation, said on Saturday that its probe had revealed that the co-pilot attempted to carry out a "terrorist act". The Interior Ministry of Saudi Arabia, where the plane made an emergency landing, is also conducting an investigation.

The Australian Federal Police said it was investigating al-Hammami's links to Australia after it emerged that he had spent about two years in the country as a student. Sources familiar with the case told Australian media that he was issued a student visa in 2014 and studied in Australia between 2015 and 2017 before leaving. ABC reported that his visa was cancelled in 2019, not on character grounds, but because he was no longer enrolled in a course and was therefore no longer eligible for a student visa.

So far, investigators in the UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Australia are examining the case, while early findings reported by international media indicate that the co-pilot acted alone in the attack that forced the flight into an emergency descent.