Police investigating Flydubai co-pilot’s Australia ties

What the report says

Australian police and intelligence officials are now part of the investigation into the Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain during an Israel-bound flight, according to Al Jazeera’s report published on 4 October 2026. The probe is being handled by the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, a multi-agency Australian group, as authorities examine the co-pilot’s connections to Australia.

The man has been identified in media reports as Omani national Hamam al-Hammami. Al Jazeera reported, citing Reuters and other outlets, that he may have studied in Melbourne, including at RMIT University, about a decade ago. Separate reports cited by Al Jazeera also said he may have spent time in the United Arab Emirates and had previously been barred from flying in Oman over concerns about extremist views. Those claims were attributed to other news organizations and sources briefed on the inquiry.

The incident took place on Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was traveling from Dubai toward Israel when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with an axe and tried to seize control of the aircraft. Passengers and crew restrained him, and a reserve pilot completed an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The case has prompted questions about airline security and pilot vetting, especially given Israel’s strict aviation procedures and the fact that the UAE has described the event as an attempted terrorist act. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said authorities would tighten checks after what he described as a security loophole.