A FlyDubai co-pilot is under UAE investigation for allegedly attacking the captain and causing a near-catastrophic plunge. Australian authorities are now probing the co-pilot's past student visa history and potential radicalization during his time in Australia between 2015 and 2017.
Co-Pilot's Alleged Attack and Emergency Landing
A 29-year-old Omani co-pilot is under investigation after allegedly attacking the captain of a FlyDubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, causing the plane to plummet 17,000 feet in under 30 seconds on September 30. The suspect, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, was subdued by passengers and crew before the aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Australian Authorities Confirm Probe
Australian authorities confirm probe into co-pilot’s past ties to the country. The Australian Federal Police (AFP), in collaboration with the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, is examining al-Hammami’s student visa history and potential radicalization during his time in Australia between 2015 and 2017. His student visa was canceled in 2019 after he ceased enrollment in a course, rendering him ineligible for the visa.
Mid-Flight Assault and Recovery
The incident began when al-Hammami allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe mid-flight, following a request to pray. The captain, despite severe injuries, managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and off-duty pilots to overpower the suspect. The plane was then safely diverted to Saudi Arabia. Al-Hammami is currently in the United Arab Emirates, where he is undergoing further interrogation by UAE authorities. Israeli and Saudi investigators, along with representatives from the UAE, are participating in the ongoing probe.
Unclear Motives and International Reactions
Background on the suspect’s history and motives remains unclear. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the attack as a suicide attempt, citing evidence of Islamist radical indoctrination uncovered during questioning. However, the exact motives behind the incident are still under investigation. Some reports suggest al-Hammami had previously expressed extremist views online, including calls for violence against women and praise for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, though the relevance of these posts to the attack remains unverified.
The UAE prosecutor general has stated that the investigation is examining all possible motives, including terrorism links. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested, without providing evidence, that Iran may be connected to the incident, stating, “I would say the answer, based on what I'm hearing, is yes.” Trump added that authorities were “working on it right now” and described the cooperation as “very open.”
International Cooperation on Investigation
International cooperation continues as authorities seek to determine the full scope of al-Hammami’s connections. The AFP confirmed it is investigating al-Hammami’s links to Australia, while Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation has also pledged full cooperation. The Omani national had previously worked for Oman Air as a trainee before being reassigned to an administrative role due to concerns over potential radicalization during time spent in Syria.
Flight Details and Passenger Accounts
The FlyDubai flight, carrying 174 passengers, was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the incident occurred. Passengers described the chaotic scene, with some crediting off-duty pilots and quick-thinking travelers for preventing a potential disaster. The captain, recovering in a UAE hospital, recounted the struggle, stating he felt “one last fight left in me” as he fought to regain control of the aircraft.
Authorities have not yet released a timeline for the completion of the investigation, but updates are expected to be provided “at the appropriate time.”