DUBAI — The co-pilot accused of attacking a captain aboard FlyDubai Flight FZ1073 to Tel Aviv had completed a distance-learning course in aviation management at Buckinghamshire New University in the United Kingdom, the institution confirmed Tuesday.
Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national born in the UAE to an Omani father and Syrian mother, allegedly used a crash axe to attack the captain after the aircraft departed Dubai with 174 people on board. The United Arab Emirates' prosecutor general said al-Hammami intended to carry out a "terror attack" during the flight.
Al-Hammami was banned from flying last year due to concerns about his radical ideological views, according to reports. Oman's national airline had removed him from his job over extremist views. Despite the flying ban, FlyDubai hired him as a co-pilot.
A spokesperson for Buckinghamshire New University confirmed al-Hammami's enrollment in the distance-learning program but said he did not undertake any pilot training at the institution.
The alleged attack occurred in the cockpit after takeoff, before passengers intervened. The flight was diverted following the incident. Authorities are examining physical and digital evidence as investigations continue into the co-pilot's motives and any related connections.
Eyal Hulata, Israel's former national security adviser, said the incident would likely change aviation security protocols. Security efforts have traditionally focused on passengers and luggage, with threats from crew members not previously considered a likely scenario. "Crew members will probably face heavier screening now," Hulata said.
