Australian security agencies are investigating the Victorian connections of the flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the captain with an axe during a flight bound for Israel.
The Victorian joint counterterrorism team, involving ASIO and Victoria Police, is examining the alleged links of Hammam al-Hammami, who was identified by media reports as an Omani national. The Australian Federal Police confirmed the inquiry and said a further update would be provided at an appropriate time.
A source familiar with the investigation said al-Hammami received a visa to study in Australia in 2014 and lived in Melbourne from 2015 to 2017. His visa expired in 2019, the source said, adding there was no suggestion it should not have been granted.
Al-Hammami’s now-deleted LinkedIn profile, publicised by US news agencies, stated that he had studied engineering at a Victorian university. The university named on the profile has been approached for comment.
The alleged attack occurred aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073. Witness accounts said the co-pilot brandished an axe at the lead pilot in the cockpit, creating a situation that threatened the lives of all 174 passengers and crew.
Passengers are said to have restrained al-Hammami while two off-duty pilots helped stabilise the Boeing 737. The aircraft was then landed at a regional airport in Saudi Arabia.
Hamad Saif al-Shamsi, the lead prosecutor in the United Arab Emirates investigation, said the crash axe was equipment carried in the cockpit for emergencies. He said investigators had found that the co-pilot had allegedly attempted to carry out a terrorist attack.
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll said he had not been briefed on al-Hammami’s possible links to the state when asked about the investigation.
“It’s concerning, and I will follow that up as a matter of priority,” Mr Carroll said. “I met with the prime minister last week, and will always continue to work with our law enforcement agencies to keep Victoria safe.”
