Australian authorities have confirmed they are investigating Flydubai co-pilot Hamam Al Hammami, who allegedly attacked his colleague with an axe during a flight. This marks a second investigation into the incident, following one launched by authorities in the UAE.
Attack on Flight FZ1073
Al Hammami, from Oman, is accused of attacking Indian co-pilot Captain Smit Machchhar on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, September 30, using a 'crash axe'. Despite suffering severe stab wounds, Captain Smit unlocked the cockpit door, allowing passengers to subdue Al Hammami.
Two off-duty pilots then entered the cockpit to take control of the plane, which had lost 14,000ft of altitude in 30 seconds, according to data. It took around 10 minutes to stabilise the aircraft, which ultimately landed safely in Saudi Arabia. None of the 182 passengers were seriously injured.
Second Investigation Launched
In the aftermath, UAE authorities began an investigation into the incident. The country's attorney general, Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, told state media that investigations into the incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073 found the co-pilot had attempted to carry out a terrorist attack.
Now, Australian officials have confirmed that two police forces and a security agency have opened a probe into Al Hammami. A spokesperson for the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (VIC JCTT), which includes Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police, and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, said: "Vic JCTT can confirm it is investigating the man's links to Australia."
The spokesperson added that a 'further update' will be issued 'at the appropriate time'. The nature of the investigation or Al Hammami's alleged links to Australia has not been clarified.
Arrest and Aftermath
After the plane landed at Tabuk's Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Saudi authorities arrested Al Hammami. A plane carrying passengers from the flight landed Wednesday evening in Israel.
