Flydubai co-pilot’s time in Australia being investigated by security agencies after alleged cockpit attack

Flydubai Co-Pilot's Time in Australia Investigated After Alleged Cockpit Attack

Security agencies in Australia have initiated an investigation into the period a Flydubai co-pilot reportedly spent in the country prior to an alleged attempted terrorist attack, according to police confirmations.

The United Arab Emirates prosecutor general stated that a Flydubai co-pilot attempted a terrorist act during a flight earlier in the week by attacking the pilot inside the cockpit using a crash axe. A crash axe is a standard emergency tool kept in the cockpit to help pilots cut through aircraft materials during emergencies.

Multiple reports identified the pilot as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani citizen. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding his identity or his beliefs. Investigators are continuing efforts to establish a motive for the attack and to determine whether anyone else was connected to the incident. Because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and flies under its flag, authorities noted that UAE law applies to crimes committed aboard.

Meanwhile, Flydubai flights to Israel remain suspended while the investigations continue.