Suspect, a Co-Pilot, Was Previously Deemed a Security Threat

Who Is Under Investigation

The suspect is Hammam al-Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani citizen. On Thursday, he was transferred from Saudi Arabia to the United Arab Emirates, where the investigation is continuing. The source does not report that an indictment has been filed or that any judicial proceeding has taken place or decision has been made in the case.

Details of the Previous Review

According to an ABC report, Oman Air had previously suspended al-Hammami from flying after determining that he posed a security threat. It was alleged that extremist materials were found in his possession during his training to work as a co-pilot in 2024. Investigators are examining how he was subsequently able to return to work as a pilot and obtain a position with Flydubai.

What Was Uncovered on Social Media

CNN reported that deleted accounts had existed under al-Hammami’s name. The posts included recordings from the cockpits of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, photographs of El Al and Arkia aircraft, as well as a photograph of Ayman al-Zawahiri and another al-Qaeda operative. It is not clear from the source who specifically posted these materials or whether some of the posts had been scheduled in advance.

The Report’s Legal Status

Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the president of the United Arab Emirates, described what happened as a serious terrorist act that could have ended in disaster. Nevertheless, this is a political assessment by an official, not a judicial finding. The report did not specify the applicable statutory provisions, the suspect’s procedural status, or the potential penalty.

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