Australia lowers travel alerts for UAE and Qatar despite hijack bid
Australia eased travel warnings for the UAE and Qatar. This came days after a co-pilot tried to hijack a flydubai flight.
Australia's travel advice group Smartraveller lowered its warnings for the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. The group now tells Australians to be very careful.
Terrorism threats remain a concern. Days earlier, a flydubai co-pilot tried to hijack his plane with an axe.
His name was Hamam al-Hammami. He attacked the other pilot.
He reportedly wanted to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. The other pilot opened the cockpit door.
Passengers and an off-duty pilot helped restrain al-Hammami. The aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Hammami had worked for Oman Air before. He was moved to a desk job due to concerns about extremism.
He had looked for work with airlines that fly direct to Tel Aviv.
- September 31
- Hijack date
- Hamam al-Hammami
- Co-pilot name
- Smit Machchhar
- Other pilot
- flydubai
- Aircraft airline
Why it mattersThe new advice suggests Australian authorities think security has gotten better. But terrorism is still a real threat in the region.
AustraliaAustralians planning travel to the UAE or Qatar can now do so under a less severe travel advisory, potentially making these destinations more accessible for tourism and business.
Corroborated bythenightly.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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