Investigations are intensifying into the background of Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani national, following his alleged attempt to carry out a "terrorist attack" aboard a flight to Tel Aviv. The incident, which occurred on September 30, involved Hammami reportedly using a crash axe to stab the aircraft's captain.
Australia and New Zealand Scrutinize Hammami's History
Security agencies in Australia have launched an investigation into Hammami's two-year period as a student in the country, which concluded in 2017. RMIT University in Melbourne confirmed that Hammami left without completing his engineering degree.
Concurrently, New Zealand authorities are examining Hammami's 175-day stay in their country between November 30, 2018, and May 23, 2019, where he held a student visa. Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Johnson stated that Hammami was in New Zealand to complete flight training for a now-defunct UK-based company. These probes aim to uncover any connections or activities that might shed light on the co-pilot's actions.
Mid-Air Attack and Heroic Intervention
The alleged attack took place shortly after Captain Smit Machchhar left his seat to pray. Machchhar reported that Hammami assaulted him, attempting to seize control of the aircraft. Despite his injuries, Captain Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and overpower the co-pilot.
A reserve Flydubai pilot then took command of the Boeing 737, which was carrying 182 people, and safely landed the plane in north-western Saudi Arabia. Hammami was subsequently detained by Saudi authorities.
Suspected Motives and Broader Concerns
The UAE prosecutor general has labeled Hammami's actions an attempted "terrorist attack." Israeli and regional officials suspect that Hammami may have initially planned an attack for July but postponed it.
A social media profile, believed to belong to Hammami and now deleted, reportedly indicated a period of strong religious commitment during his university years abroad, followed by a decrease in observance upon his return to Oman. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has called for a comprehensive investigation into Hammami's associations during his time in Australia.