Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Deleted Posts Shed Light on Accused Flydubai Co-Pilot's Views
A pilot from Oman is accused of attacking another pilot on a Flydubai flight headed to Tel Aviv.
The accused pilot is Hamam al-Hammami, and the other pilot is Captain Smit Machchhar.
Reporters examined thousands of old posts that had been deleted from social media.
The posts showed strict opinions about what women should wear and whether they should work alongside men.
A diplomat said al-Hammami had been moved away from flight training because of concerns about his views.
Some posts also appeared online after the incident, but it is not known who put them there.
Authorities in the UAE and Israel are investigating what happened and whether it was planned or linked to terrorism.
Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami is accused of attacking Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar on a Flydubai flight heading to Tel Aviv.
CNN's analysis of nearly 3,000 deleted posts from 2021 and 2022 found statements expressing strict views on women's clothing, marriage and mixed-gender workplaces.
A LinkedIn profile linked to al-Hammami said he worked for Oman Air for seven years and left in February 2025; a regional diplomat said he was removed from flight training over concerns about his views.
Two posts appeared on the profile about nine hours after the incident, including cockpit footage and an AI-generated image; who posted them and whether they were scheduled is unclear.
UAE authorities are investigating possible terrorist links, prior planning or direction, while Israeli agencies are examining how the Omani citizen joined the flight crew.
- Who
- Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar.
- What
- An alleged attack aboard a Flydubai flight heading for Tel Aviv is under investigation.
- When
- The article does not give the date of the incident; it says two LinkedIn posts appeared about nine hours afterward.
- Where
- A Flydubai flight heading to Tel Aviv; the article does not specify where the alleged attack occurred.
- Why
- The motive has not been established. Investigators are examining possible terrorist links, planning, direction and other connections.
- Accused
- Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani co-pilot
- Other pilot
- Indian Captain Smit Machchhar
- Flight
- Flydubai flight heading to Tel Aviv
- Social media analysis
- Nearly 3,000 deleted posts from 2021 and 2022
- Oman Air employment
- The LinkedIn profile said al-Hammami worked there for seven years and left in February 2025
- UAE investigation
- Examining possible terrorist activity, prior planning or direction, motives and related connections
- Post-incident LinkedIn activity
- Two posts appeared about nine hours after the incident; their authorship and timing are unclear