Israeli Investigators View FlyDubai Co-Pilot as Likely Lone Wolf

Early findings from Israeli investigators indicate that the FlyDubai co-pilot accused of attempting to hijack a flight to Tel Aviv likely acted as a lone wolf, according to sources familiar with the ongoing probe. While all possibilities remain under examination, the initial assessment points toward an isolated individual rather than a coordinated group effort.

The incident occurred on Wednesday when the aircraft, en route from Dubai to Israel, was nearing its destination. The co-pilot allegedly stabbed the flight captain and tried to crash the plane, as confirmed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, passengers, and the captain himself. The captain managed to subdue his attacker long enough to unlock the cockpit, allowing Israeli passengers and crew members to overpower the co-pilot. Two off-duty pilots subsequently took control of the aircraft, executing an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

President Trump suggested on Thursday that the suspect may have connections to Iran. “Based on what I’m hearing, is yes,” Trump stated regarding the potential link, adding that investigations are actively underway. Conversely, Netanyahu described the event as more akin to a suicide attempt than a traditional hijacking. During questioning, the co-pilot reportedly shouted, “Kill me, kill me!” after being restrained.

Netanyahu revealed to Fox News that intelligence gathered during interrogations indicates the co-pilot underwent Islamist radical indoctrination. However, the suspect has not been formally identified by authorities, though CBS News sources on Friday named him as Hamam al Hamami.

Al Hamami, an Omani citizen, previously underwent pilot training with Oman Air before being reassigned to an office role after government surveillance detected his visits to radical websites. Sources claim he resigned around 2024 and later joined FlyDubai without vetting coordination with Omani officials. Additional reports suggest he posted online content featuring El Al planes and a photograph of deceased al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.

The co-pilot remains in the UAE, where he is undergoing a second round of questioning after initial interviews with Saudi authorities. Israeli representatives have traveled to the UAE to assist in the investigation.