FlyDubai crash-scare probe: co-pilot named, past security-risk claims under scrutiny

Hamam Alhamami has been identified as the Omani Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking Indian Captain Smit Machchhar during a flight bound for Tel Aviv. The Wall Street Journal and ABC News reported that Alhamami had previously been suspended from flying in Oman amid security concerns and allegations involving extremist material and radical views. Sources cited by ABC said he told investigators that he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel. The suspect was reportedly transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE and is cooperating with investigators, who are examining his background, alleged radicalisation and how he was cleared to fly for Flydubai.