Flydubai hijack attempt co-pilot studied in Australia for about two years
Australian security agencies are investigating a flydubai co-pilot. He stayed in Australia for roughly two years as a student.
Australian security agencies are investigating the man's stay after the attempted hijacking on Wednesday. The flydubai flight to Tel Aviv carried 182 people.
The flight plunged 5,067 metres in just over 30 seconds. Crew and passengers stopped the co-pilot's takeover bid.
The UAE prosecutor says he used a crash axe and stabbed the captain in the air. The man is an Omani national named Hammam al-Hammami.
He arrived in Australia in 2015. He had a student visa granted in 2014.
He left in 2017. His visa was cancelled in 2019.
He was no longer enrolled. The AFP and Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) confirmed they are examining his Australian links.
One report says he had been barred from flying in Oman. This was over concerns about extremist views.
He was hired by flydubai after this.
- 5,067 metres in just over 30 seconds
- Flight descent
- 182
- People aboard
- 2015 to 2017, visa cancelled 2019
- Australia tenure
- Hammam al-Hammami, Omani national
- Co-pilot identity
Why it mattersThe connection raises questions. Did Australia's security screening detect warning signs before the man reached commercial airline work?
AustraliaAustralian security agencies are now probing his student years to assess whether any intelligence gaps allowed a suspected extremist to enter the aviation workforce.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
