The co-pilot of a FlyDubai plane who allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft en route to Israel on Wednesday is an Omani national previously identified as a security risk by Oman Air. Sources familiar with the investigation identified the suspect as 29-year-old Hamam Al Hammami.

Intelligence and law enforcement officials revealed that Al Hammami, while a co-pilot trainee for Oman Air in 2024, was found with extremist materials. Despite this finding, he was permitted to continue with the airline in an administrative capacity, raising questions about how he later ended up in the cockpit of a commercial flight.

Investigators are working to understand the sequence of events that allowed Al Hammami to fly for FlyDubai and reach the position of first officer on a flight heading to Israel. The suspect, who was transferred from Saudi Arabia to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, is reportedly cooperating with authorities and has indicated his intention was to crash the plane in Israel.

FlyDubai has temporarily suspended operations to Tel Aviv at the request of authorities, and a comprehensive investigation led by relevant bodies is underway. The airline's CEO stated their full support for the official inquiry.

The harrowing incident was averted when the flight's captain, Smit Machchhar, fought back against the attacker. Passengers also intervened, subduing and restraining Al Hammami after he initiated a rapid dive.

One passenger recounted how he assisted in steadying the aircraft by pulling back on the controls, allowing a third pilot traveling in the cabin to take over. The flight ultimately made a safe emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Another passenger who encountered the bloodied and restrained attacker outside the cockpit reported that Al Hammami identified himself as being from Oman and, at one point, pleaded to be killed. Israeli officials are expected to be involved in questioning Al Hammami.

The incident has prompted a review of security protocols and background checks within the aviation industry, particularly concerning individuals previously flagged for security concerns. The exact nature of the extremist materials and the extent of Al Hammami's network remain key areas of focus for investigators.