World · India Bureau
Oman Had Banned Co-Pilot From Flying Over Extremist Concerns: Reports
The co-pilot of a flydubai aircraft that crashed in Russia was reportedly prohibited from flying by Omani authorities due to concerns about his exposure to extremist ideologies. Hamam Alhamami had spent significant time outside his home country, particularly in Syria, before relocating to the United Arab Emirates.
LSN India ·
Hamam Alhamami, the co-pilot of flydubai Flight 981 that crashed near Rostov-on-Don in southern Russia in March 2016, had reportedly been banned from flying by Oman's aviation authorities over concerns related to extremist views, according to multiple reports.
Alhamami spent extended periods outside Oman, with sources indicating he had travelled to Syria where he was allegedly exposed to and influenced by extremist ideologies. Following these experiences abroad, he eventually relocated to the United Arab Emirates to pursue his aviation career with the Dubai-based carrier.
The crash of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft killed all 62 people on board, including 55 passengers and seven crew members. The incident prompted international investigations into the circumstances surrounding the disaster and the backgrounds of those operating the aircraft.
Details regarding Oman's decision to restrict Alhamami's flying privileges and the specific concerns that prompted the ban remain limited. However, the information underscores potential gaps in international aviation safety protocols and information-sharing mechanisms between regional aviation authorities.
Flydubai, a low-cost carrier established in 2008, subsequently implemented enhanced crew vetting procedures following the incident.