Chronological coverage updated 4th October 2026 02:26.
Update 1 · 4th October 2026
Security Agencies Investigate Background of Flydubai Co-Pilot After Cockpit Attack
Security agencies in Australia have launched an investigation into the background of a flydubai co-pilot who allegedly tried to hijack an Israel-bound airliner carrying 182 people. The inquiry focuses on a period of roughly two years the aviator spent residing in Australia as an international student.
The mid-air emergency occurred on Wednesday aboard a flight bound for Tel Aviv when passengers and crew intervened to thwart the co-pilot's attempt to take control of the aircraft. During the violent confrontation, the flight rapidly lost 16,625 feet (5,067 metres) of altitude in just over 30 seconds after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a crash axe and inflicted stab wounds.
Multi-Agency Security Probe Launched
Australian federal authorities confirmed that a joint counter-terrorism task force has begun examining the individual's history, visa status, and contacts during his stay in the country.
A source familiar with the case stated that the suspect was granted an Australian student visa in 2014, entering the country to begin university coursework in 2015. He departed Australia in 2017, and his visa was formally cancelled in 2019 following confirmation that he was no longer enrolled in higher education.
History of Security Concerns
The co-pilot, identified in media reports as Omani national Hammam al-Hammami, had previously completed distance-learning coursework in aviation management with Buckinghamshire New University in the United Kingdom, though the institution confirmed he received no practical flight training there.
Reports indicate that al-Hammami had faced prior restrictions in his home country. Omani authorities had previously barred him from piloting aircraft due to concerns that he had embraced extremist views. Following that flight prohibition, he was reassigned to an administrative role at Oman Air before eventually securing employment with Dubai-based budget carrier flydubai.
The flydubai flight carried 182 people onboard and plunged 16,625 feet (5,067 metres) in just over 30 seconds during the mid-air attack..
International Investigation and Operational Response
Both the Omani co-pilot and the injured flight commander, Indian captain Smit Machchhar, were taken to the United Arab Emirates, which is leading the international investigation with assistance from several nations, including Israel. In the wake of the attack, flydubai has indefinitely suspended all flight services between Dubai and Tel Aviv.
- Australian security services are scrutinizing the suspect's 2015–2017 period on an Australian student visa.
- Omani authorities had previously banned the co-pilot from flying due to extremist views before he was hired by flydubai.
