Alleged flydubai hijacker investigated for Victorian university links
An Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked a plane captain with an axe, and Australian authorities are investigating his Victorian university ties.
An Omani co-pilot named Hammam al-Hammami allegedly used a crash axe against the lead pilot. The plane was flydubai Flight FZ1073 carrying 174 passengers and crew to Israel.
Passengers and two off-duty pilots stopped him. The Boeing 737 landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
UAE prosecutors confirmed it was a terrorist attack attempt. ASIO, Victoria Police and the AFP now investigate al-Hammami's Australian connections.
A deleted LinkedIn post showed he studied engineering at a Victorian university. He got a student visa in 2014.
He lived in Melbourne from 2015 to 2017. His visa expired in 2019.
- Omani
- Suspect nationality
- 174
- Flight passengers and crew
- 2014
- Study visa granted
- 2015 to 2017
- Melbourne residence
Why it mattersSecurity officials want to know if the alleged attacker had contacts or reasons linked to Australia. They are looking at his time in Melbourne.
AustraliaAustralian authorities are investigating potential security risks and the circumstances under which the visa was granted to establish whether additional vetting was needed.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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