The Australian Federal Police have launched an investigation into the background and possible radicalisation of the Flydubai co-pilot who attacked a captain with an axe on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight on 30 September. The probe involves state police and the national security agency. The incident occurred on a flight that was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot attempted to seize control of the aircraft.
The co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked the captain with a crash axe during the flight, forcing passengers to intervene. Australian media sources familiar with the case report that al-Hammami entered Australia on a student visa in 2014 and studied there between 2015 and 2017. His visa was cancelled in 2019 after he ceased enrolment in a course. This information has raised concerns about his activities during his time in Australia.
Counter-terrorism officials will assess whether al-Hammami was radicalised while in Australia, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. The UAE prosecutor general reported that the co-pilot's attack caused the aircraft to lose altitude by about 17,000 ft before two reserve pilots managed an emergency landing. The incident has been described as an attempted terrorist act by UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi.
Further background on al-Hammami has emerged, showing that he previously worked for Oman Air, where he was removed from flight training over concerns about radical views. He was reassigned within the airline but later completed a distance-learning aviation management degree from Buckinghamshire New University in the UK, graduating in 2023. However, he did not undertake pilot training at the institution.
The UAE Attorney General has stated that investigations are underway to determine the motives and any broader links related to the incident. The authorities are working to understand the circumstances surrounding the attack and whether there were any other individuals involved. The incident has raised concerns about aviation security and the potential for radicalisation among airline staff.
The Australian Federal Police have confirmed that they are examining the links between Australia and al-Hammami, including his activities during his time in the country. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine whether there were any other factors that contributed to the incident. The incident has highlighted the need for continued vigilance in the aviation sector.
The incident on the Flydubai flight has been contained, and the co-pilot was arrested by Saudi authorities after the emergency landing. The aircraft was safely evacuated, and no passengers were seriously injured. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with multiple agencies involved in determining the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Key points
- Australian authorities are investigating the background and possible radicalisation of the Flydubai co-pilot.
- The co-pilot, Hamam al-Hammami, had previously worked for Oman Air and completed a degree in aviation management.
- The incident has raised concerns about aviation security and the potential for radicalisation among airline staff.
