Australia investigates Flydubai co-pilot links following cockpit attack
Australian counter-terrorism police are investigating the student visa history of a Flydubai co-pilot who attacked a pilot with an axe during a flight to Israel.
- Headline: Australia investigates Flydubai co-pilot links following cockpit attack
- Dispatch Summary: Australian counter-terrorism police are investigating the student visa history of a Flydubai co-pilot who attacked a pilot with an axe during a flight to Israel.
- Verification: Corroborated across independent reporting outlets with primary sources and real-time wire transmissions.
Australia has launched an investigation into the connections between a Flydubai co-pilot and the country following a cockpit attack that forced a plane to divert to Saudi Arabia. The incident, which occurred on 30 September during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, involved the co-pilot allegedly using a crash axe to attack the pilot, triggering a 17,000ft (5,200m) descent before passengers regained control.
The co-pilot, identified in media reports as Hamam al-Hammami, was an Omani national who had lived in Australia on a student visa from 2014 to 2017. According to sources cited by Australian media, he left the country in 2017 and his visa was canceled in 2019 after he no longer enrolled in a course. Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed they are examining his links to Australia, with the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team involved in the probe.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Co-pilot's student visa in Australia | Issued in 2014, valid until 2017; canceled in 2019 after he stopped attending courses |
| Flight details | Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, carrying over 170 passengers; attacked 2.5 hours into journey |
| Co-pilot's employment history | Worked at Oman Air, removed from flight training due to "radical views"; studied aviation management via distance learning from 2020 to 2023 |
| Pilot's condition | Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, suffered stab wounds but opened the cockpit door to allow passengers to subdue the co-pilot; reported in stable condition after treatment in Abu Dhabi |
The attack, described by UAE prosecutors as a "terrorist act," led to the plane being diverted to Saudi Arabia, where two reserve pilots safely landed the aircraft. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the co-pilot's Omani nationality and stated he was being questioned by Saudi authorities. The UAE's attorney general, Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, said investigations were under way to establish the circumstances, motives, and any links related to the incident.
Australian counter-terrorism officials are focusing on whether the co-pilot was radicalized during his time in the country. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported that his visa cancellation in 2019 made him ineligible for further stays, but the AFP's investigation aims to determine if his activities in Australia posed any security risks. The co-pilot's employment history includes a period at Oman Air, where he was removed from flight training over concerns about his views, according to US media reports.
The incident has prompted international scrutiny of aviation security protocols. The pilot, Machchhar, recounted how he managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries, allowing passengers to overpower the co-pilot. His actions are credited with preventing a potential disaster, though the full extent of the co-pilot's motives remains under investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the co-pilot involved in the incident?
The co-pilot has been named in media reports as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani national. Australian authorities have not officially confirmed his identity, but multiple outlets have cited his name.
What is Australia investigating about the co-pilot?
Australian authorities are examining the co-pilot's 2014-2017 student visa period, his potential radicalization, and any connections to Australian entities. The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team is leading the probe alongside state police and security agencies.
What happened during the flight?
The co-pilot attacked the pilot with a crash axe 2.5 hours into the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, causing the plane to descend sharply. Passengers overpowered him, allowing two reserve pilots to land the aircraft safely in Saudi Arabia. The pilot survived with injuries and is in stable condition.
The investigation into the co-pilot's background and motives is ongoing, with updates expected from Australian, UAE, and Saudi authorities. The incident has raised questions about aviation security and the screening of flight crew members, particularly those with complex employment and educational histories. The next critical step will be the release of findings from the UAE's prosecutor general and Saudi authorities regarding the co-pilot's alleged terrorist act.
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