How was Flydubai co-pilot cleared despite being deemed a security risk?

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported that investigators in the United Arab Emirates are examining how a Flydubai co-pilot who was previously flagged as a security concern was still able to work a flight to Tel Aviv on September 30, 2026. The crew member, identified in multiple reports as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami, is accused of attacking his captain with an emergency axe and trying to take control of Flight FZ1073. UAE officials have described the case as an attempted terrorist operation, though the motive has not been publicly established.

According to the report, al-Hammami had earlier been barred from flying in Oman over concerns about alleged extremist views and was moved into an administrative role at Oman Air before later being hired by Flydubai. Al Jazeera said a Gulf diplomat told AP that standard security checks had been completed before his hiring, but it was not clear how deeply he was vetted or whether Omani authorities shared their concerns with other countries or airlines.

The article also noted that pilot screening rules differ by country and airline, but can include medical certification, police clearances, and other checks for people with access to secure airport areas. In Israel’s case, the report said airlines must provide passenger and crew details before arrival, and Israeli security bodies are supposed to review the information. The incident has prompted questions about gaps in airline vetting and international aviation security, especially given Israel’s strict preflight screening procedures.