Australian Authorities Probe Links to Flydubai Co-Pilot Accused in Mid-Air Attack

Australian authorities are investigating potential links between Australia and a Flydubai co-pilot accused of attempting to seize control of a passenger aircraft en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

The co-pilot, identified by several international media outlets as Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked the aircraft’s captain with a crash axe during the flight on September 30. The incident reportedly unfolded more than two hours into the journey, forcing passengers and crew members to intervene and help regain control of the aircraft.

While Australian authorities have not officially named the suspect, they confirmed that an investigation is underway involving state police and national security agencies. Officials said further information would be released when appropriate as inquiries continue.

According to reports citing sources familiar with the case, the co-pilot entered Australia on a student visa in 2014 and studied in the country between 2015 and 2017. Australian media have reported that his visa was later cancelled in 2019 after he was no longer enrolled in an approved course, making him ineligible to remain under that visa category.

Counter-terrorism investigators are reportedly examining whether the suspect may have been radicalized during his time in Australia or if any local connections are relevant to the ongoing investigation.

The United Arab Emirates Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched its own investigation into the incident and is seeking to establish a motive behind the alleged attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot was an Omani national. The Flydubai flight was carrying more than 170 passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the incident occurred.

According to UAE prosecutors, the aircraft suddenly descended approximately 17,000 feet (5,200 metres) after the co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe. The dramatic loss of altitude created panic onboard as crew members struggled to regain control of the aircraft.

Captain Machchhar later described his efforts to respond despite being injured during the attack. He said he found himself on the floor of the cockpit and realized the aircraft was rapidly descending.

“I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside,” he reportedly said, explaining how his actions enabled passengers and others to assist in overpowering the alleged attacker.

Following the confrontation, two relief pilots onboard the aircraft took over operations and successfully landed the plane safely in Saudi Arabia, preventing what could have become a major aviation disaster.

The incident has drawn international attention and prompted aviation security reviews as investigators in multiple countries work to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack and whether any broader security concerns are involved.