Who is Hamam al-Hammami? Investigators probe possible Iran link in flydubai copilot case

New details have emerged about Hamam al-Hammami, the 29-year-old Omani copilot accused by UAE authorities of attacking the captain of flydubai flight FZ1073 with an emergency axe and attempting to take control of the aircraft in what prosecutors have described as an attempted terrorist act.

Al-Hammami was born in the United Arab Emirates to an Omani father and a Syrian mother, according to reports citing investigators and officials.

British aviation management degree

Buckinghamshire New University confirmed that al-Hammami had been a student and completed a three-year distance-learning aviation management programme, graduating in 2023. The university stressed that it did not provide him with pilot training.

UAE investigation

UAE Attorney General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said investigators concluded that the copilot had planned and attempted a terrorist act. According to the official account, he attacked the captain inside the cockpit with an emergency axe and attempted to seize the aircraft’s controls.

The investigation remains under way to establish the full circumstances, motives and any possible connections, alongside forensic examination of physical and digital evidence.

Previous security concerns

Reports citing security and intelligence officials say Oman had previously prevented al-Hammami from flying amid concerns about extremist views while he was associated with Oman Air. The disclosure has raised questions about security vetting and information-sharing between authorities and airlines.

Royal Air Maroc has also confirmed that he underwent three months of theoretical pre-employment training in 2025 but was not selected for employment. The airline did not disclose the reason.

Investigators examine a possible Iran connection

In a new development, Israel Hayom reported on October 3, citing sources it described as familiar with the investigation, that investigators are examining a possible connection between al-Hammami and Iran through a group the newspaper says Tehran established in Syria during Bashar al-Assad’s rule.

According to the report, al-Hammami spent several years in Syria, his mother’s country, and investigators are examining whether he joined the group there and whether it could represent a channel linking him to Iran.

Israel Hayom also reported, citing the same sources, that al-Hammami told interrogators he intended to crash the aircraft into a target on the ground in Israel. Investigators are examining whether he acted alone or received support from another group.

The newspaper said an Israeli investigative team travelled to the UAE to take part in the inquiry and that agencies from several countries are involved in exchanging information.

None of these claims establishes an Iranian connection. UAE authorities have not officially announced evidence of a direct Iranian link or identified an organisation behind the alleged plot. The possible Iran connection therefore remains an investigative line rather than an established finding.

What happened aboard FZ1073?

Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the attack occurred inside the cockpit. The aircraft made a sharp descent during the crisis before passengers and crew subdued the suspect and other pilots aboard took control.

The aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Captain Smit Machchhar was injured but later described managing to reach and open the cockpit door despite his wounds, allowing others to intervene.

Did he act alone?

That remains one of the central questions. UAE prosecutors have said possible connections are being investigated. No final official finding has established that al-Hammami acted on behalf of Iran, another state or an armed organisation.