The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has confirmed that a counterterrorism investigation is underway into possible Australian links to a Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking a fellow pilot during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The incident occurred aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 on Wednesday, when co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machcharr in the cockpit and attempted to seize control of the aircraft. According to officials, the plane carrying 174 passengers and crew plunged nearly 14,000 feet (4,267 metres) in less than 30 seconds before the situation was brought under control.
Captain Machcharr was injured in the attack but survived, while passengers and crew reportedly helped restrain the suspect. The aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The investigation in Australia is being conducted by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT), which includes the AFP, Victoria Police, and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
An AFP spokesperson confirmed that the inquiry is ongoing and said further information would be released “at an appropriate time.”
Sources familiar with the matter said the accused co-pilot was granted a student visa in 2014 and studied in Australia between 2015 and 2017 before leaving the country. His visa was later cancelled in 2019.
According to reports, the visa cancellation was not related to character concerns or security issues. Instead, it was reportedly revoked because he was no longer enrolled in a course and therefore no longer met the requirements of his student visa.
Australian authorities are examining whether the suspect may have become radicalised during his time in Australia as part of the broader counterterrorism investigation.
The investigation in Australia is being conducted by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (JCTT), which includes the AFP, Victoria Police, and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
An AFP spokesperson confirmed that the inquiry is ongoing and said further information would be released “at an appropriate time.”
Sources familiar with the matter said the accused co-pilot was granted a student visa in 2014 and studied in Australia between 2015 and 2017 before leaving the country. His visa was later cancelled in 2019.
According to reports, the visa cancellation was not related to character concerns or security issues. Instead, it was reportedly revoked because he was no longer enrolled in a course and therefore no longer met the requirements of his student visa.
Australian authorities are examining whether the suspect may have become radicalised during his time in Australia as part of the broader counterterrorism investigation.
Officials have identified the accused as an Omani national. Reports have alleged that he had previously been barred from flying for his country’s national airline because of concerns relating to extremist views.
A separate investigation is being led by authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the flight originated. UAE officials have reportedly described the incident as a terrorist attack, alleging that the co-pilot used a cockpit crash axe to attack the captain before attempting to take control of the aircraft.
The dramatic mid-air emergency has prompted aviation and security authorities across multiple countries to examine the suspect’s background, training history, and potential motivations.
Investigators are expected to review the events leading up to the incident, the security procedures in place, and any international connections that may help explain the alleged attack.
The case has attracted global attention due to the seriousness of the allegations and the potentially catastrophic consequences had the crew and passengers not intervened.
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