Israel had Omani co-pilot's data before Flydubai cockpit attack, yet no alert was raised

Israeli authorities had advance access to passenger and crew data for Flydubai Flight FZ1073, including the identity of Omani co-pilot Hammam al-Hammami, yet no security alert was raised before the September 30 cockpit attack. The incident has sparked questions about Israel's system for vetting foreign airline crews. Al-Hammami allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar with a cockpit crash axe and attempted to seize control, causing the Boeing 737 MAX 8 to plunge over 16,000 feet before being diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Israel's Tax Authority confirmed receiving the flight's lists, but the Transportation Ministry has not publicly confirmed whether it reviewed the names or conducted a security assessment. The case highlights a dispute over responsibility between Israel's Transportation Ministry, Mossad, and Shin Bet, with al-Hammami's Omani nationality adding significance since Oman and Israel lack diplomatic relations. Reports suggest he was previously barred from flying in Oman over extremist concerns, though the full circumstances remain under investigation.