Oman Sources Reveal flydubai Co-Pilot Was Barred Over Extremist Links

Omani government sources told NDTV that the flydubai co-pilot who attacked Captain Smit Machchhar had previously been barred from an aviation career in Oman due to detected interest in extremist websites and terrorism-related content. The man, identified by media as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national with a Syrian mother, reportedly worked briefly as a trainee with an Omani airline before authorities flagged his online activity. Oman was not approached for security verification before his subsequent employment elsewhere, sources said. Omani sources noted the flight's aviation arrangements require crew to be UAE citizens or nationals of countries with diplomatic ties to Israel, which Oman lacks, suggesting al-Hammami may have held another citizenship. They stated "there was a big mistake somewhere," citing possible negligence or lapses in supervision.