Australian counter-terrorism authorities are examining the background and possible Australian connections of an Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a Flydubai flight bound for Israel. The incident placed the lives of 174 passengers and crew members at serious risk.
Investigation Focuses on Co-Pilot’s Australia Connection
The accused co-pilot has been identified as 29-year-old Omani national Hammam Al-Hammami. Australian authorities are investigating his previous stay in the country and whether his activities there are relevant to the ongoing case.
According to investigators, Hammam received an Australian student visa in 2014 and lived in Melbourne from 2015 to 2017. His visa was reportedly valid until 2019.
Attack Inside the Cockpit
The incident occurred aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 traveling toward Israel. Investigators and witnesses said Hammam allegedly used an emergency axe to suddenly attack the captain inside the cockpit.
The situation created an immediate threat to everyone aboard the aircraft. Passengers eventually intervened and managed to restrain the accused co-pilot.
Two other pilots who were traveling as passengers reportedly helped the crew regain control of the situation. The aircraft then made an emergency landing at an airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Authorities Examine His Time in Melbourne
The Australian Federal Police said a joint counter-terrorism team involving intelligence officials and Victoria Police is examining Hammam’s connection to Australia.
Information available through his LinkedIn profile reportedly indicates that he studied engineering at RMIT University in Melbourne. The university has declined to comment on the matter while the investigation remains ongoing.
Victoria Government Expresses Concern
Victoria Premier Ben Carroll has expressed concern over the incident and said authorities are treating the matter seriously. Investigators are continuing to examine the accused man’s background and his previous links to Australia.
The investigation is expected to help authorities determine whether his time in Australia has any connection to the alleged attack aboard the Flydubai aircraft.
