UAE Seeks Death Penalty for Flydubai Co-Pilot in Cockpit Attack
The United Arab Emirates is seeking the maximum punishment, potentially including the death penalty, for flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami over the September 30 cockpit attack on Flight FZ1073. The Omani co-pilot allegedly assaulted Indian Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe and attempted to seize control of the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, carrying over 170 people, which made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. He was detained and transferred to the UAE. Al-Hammami reportedly told investigators he wanted to crash the aircraft. Israeli intelligence officials and aviation experts are assisting the UAE-led probe, which is also examining his background, including prior concerns about extremist website interest during his time at Oman Air.