As per latest reports, Flydubai co-pilot who tried hijacking an Israeli-bound flight is being scrutinized by the Australian government as it launches an investigation, following reports that claim he spent two years studying in the country. Hamam al-Hammami, the co-pilot, a 29-year-old native of Oman, attacked the captain of the Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday.
The aircraft later made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the crew and passengers intervened and subdued the co-pilot. The accused is now in custody in Abu Dhabi, and UAE authorities are leading the investigation into the incident, which has been described as an attempted terrorist attack.
The Australian government has confirmed that the Victorian Joint Counter-Terrorism Team, including the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, is investigating Hamami’s links to Australia.
As per reports, Hamami was issued a student visa in 2014 to commence a university course the following year. He later left the country in 2017, and his visa was cancelled in 2019 after authorities confirmed that he was no longer enrolled in a course. It is worth noting that the Australian Broadcasting Corporation confirmed that the visa was not cancelled on character grounds. As per reports from several media outlets, citing his LinkedIn profile, Hamami studied engineering at an Australian university.
During his aviation study at Buckinghamshire New University, Al Hamami’s social media posts backed violence against women and harsh religious punishments. He also backed Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Independent reports also confirmed that he earned a distance learning degree in aviation management at BNU in 2023.
Regarding the attack, reports have been claiming that two hours into the flight, Al-Hamami took the crash axe and slashed at Captain Mutshar. The plane dropped to about 17,000 feet. Captain Mutshar, badly hurt, opened the cockpit door so the passengers and crew could overpower Al-Hamami and help him take control of the plane.
During an investigation, Al-Hamami allegedly told investigators he meant to crash the plane in Israel. Israeli investigators arrived in the UAE on Saturday to question him. Officials in both countries are trying to learn whether he acted alone or is a network associated with him. The joint investigation is currently focused on how Al-Hamami passed employment background checks.