DIVYA DELHI : The investigation into the alleged cockpit attack aboard a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv has widened, with investigators and media reports examining the online activity and previous professional record of the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian Captain Smit Machchhar. The co-pilot has been identified in reports as Hamam al-Hammami. Authorities are investigating whether the September 30 incident, in which Machchhar was allegedly attacked during the flight, had any terrorist motive or prior planning. The aircraft plunged sharply during the struggle before passengers and crew intervened and it eventually landed safely in Saudi Arabia. Fresh reports have highlighted deleted social media posts allegedly linked to al-Hammami. According to reports citing an analysis of thousands of deleted posts, some contained strongly conservative views about women, including comments about women wearing the niqab and leaving work after marriage. Other reported online activity has also drawn scrutiny over alleged extremist content. The probe is also examining his earlier employment with Oman Air, where reports say he was removed from flying duties amid concerns about extremist views. Investigators are now looking into his background, recruitment and possible ideological links as the inquiry continues.
