Australia investigating Flydubai co-pilot's links to country

What the report says

Australian authorities are investigating possible links between Australia and a Flydubai co-pilot accused of trying to seize control of a passenger flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, according to BBC World News. The Australian Federal Police said its inquiry, involving state police and the country’s security agency, is focused on the man’s connections to Australia. The co-pilot has not been officially named by Australian authorities, although several news outlets have identified him as Hamam al-Hammami.

BBC World News reported that the alleged attack happened on 30 September, about two and a half hours into the journey, when the aircraft dropped sharply after the co-pilot allegedly assaulted the captain with a crash axe. Passengers and reserve pilots later regained control and landed the plane safely in Saudi Arabia. The captain, Capt Smit Machchhar, was injured and later treated in hospital.

The case is also being examined by prosecutors in the UAE, who said they are looking into the incident, possible motives and related links. Reuters and other outlets cited in the BBC report said the man had studied in Australia years earlier on a student visa, while the ABC reported that the visa was later cancelled after he was no longer enrolled. Those details have not been independently confirmed by Australian authorities in the material provided.

The investigation matters because officials in several countries are examining whether the incident was an isolated act or part of something more serious, including possible radicalisation or terrorism concerns. The facts remain under review, and no final conclusions have been announced.