US Vice President JD Vance has sharply questioned flydubai's decision to reinstate co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami to passenger flights, following reports that Omani authorities had previously identified him as a security risk. Vance's remarks came after an alleged cockpit attack on flydubai flight FZ1073 on September 30, which Israeli and UAE authorities have described as an attempted terrorist attack.
Concerns Raised by Omani Authorities
According to reports, Omani officials had scrutinized al-Hammami's online activity and concluded that his interest in radical ideology posed concerns about his suitability for flying. He was subsequently banned from flying duties with Oman Air, underwent a deradicalization program, and was reassigned to a desk job.
However, these critical concerns were not shared with other international authorities or airlines. When flydubai hired al-Hammami in February, the airline reportedly did not contact Oman to verify his previous employment history or security background.
"The interesting thing about that story is we knew that guy was a problem -- meaning not United States intelligence -- but if you look historically, that person should not have been flying an airline," Vance told reporters.
The Flydubai FZ1073 Incident
On September 30, during flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit. He reportedly used the cockpit's emergency crash axe and attempted to seize control of the Boeing 737 MAX 8. The violent struggle caused the aircraft to drop over 16,000 feet in approximately 30 seconds before recovery.
Captain Machchhar was wounded but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene and help overpower al-Hammami. Two off-duty flydubai pilots, who were passengers on the flight, then took control and safely landed the plane at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia. There were 174 people on board, mostly Israeli passengers.
US Aviation Security Review Initiated
The incident has prompted the US administration to review its own aviation security protocols, particularly concerning the vetting process for individuals cleared to operate passenger aircraft. Vance emphasized the need to ensure that individuals identified as flight risks are prevented from piloting planes.
He also highlighted the importance of closely scrutinizing foreign pilots operating within the US and assessing potential security risks, drawing parallels to the September 11 attacks where individuals deemed unfit were allowed into the country and to fly aircraft.
Terror Motive and Iran Link
Authorities in Israel, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia have labeled the incident as a terror attack, with investigations ongoing. The UAE Attorney General, Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, stated on October 3 that preliminary inquiries indicated al-Hammami had planned to carry out a terrorist attack, specifically intending to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.
Regarding a possible Iranian connection to the incident, Vance deferred to US intelligence officials, stating he had not seen conclusive evidence. In contrast, US President Donald Trump publicly asserted his personal belief that Iran was responsible for the attack.