Australian police probe co-pilot’s alleged links to university study
Australian authorities have launched an investigation into alleged links between Omani co-pilot Hammam Al Hammami and Australia, after reports said he may have studied at an Australian university. The inquiry is part of efforts to establish his background following allegations that he attacked the captain and tried to take control of a Flydubai flight.
The Australian Federal Police said its Victorian counter-terrorism team is working with Victoria Police and ASIO. A report citing an unnamed source said Al Hammami received a student visa in 2014, which ended in 2019 after checks found he had left Australia; his alleged university study has not been independently verified. The flight, carrying 182 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv, diverted to Saudi Arabia after descending 14,000 feet in 29 seconds, while a separate UAE investigation is examining whether he acted alone or had extremist links.
- Australia is investigating the co-pilot’s reported links to the country.
- He is accused of attacking the captain and trying to seize control.
- UAE authorities are also investigating whether he acted alone.
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A Flydubai aircraft carrying 182 passengers diverted to Saudi Arabia after its co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to take control. Omani national Hammam Al Hammami, the co-pilot involved, caused the plane to descend 14,000 feet in 29 seconds during the incident on a flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The incident has triggered investigations into Al Hammami's background and potential motivations. Authorities are seeking to understand whether he acted alone or whether he had connections to extremist groups, as such incidents raise serious concerns about how people in sensitive positions are vetted and monitored.
Reports have suggested that Al Hammami may have studied at an Australian university on a student visa that was issued in 2014 and ended in 2019. This has prompted Australian authorities including federal police and counter-terrorism teams to examine records about his time in the country as part of broader efforts to understand his background.
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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
When someone allegedly attacks a captain mid-flight and endangers 182 passengers, thorough background investigation is essential. Understanding educational history and potential radicalization pathways helps authorities establish motive, identify any extremist networks, and prevent future incidents. Responsible security practice requires comprehensive investigation of all relevant aspects of someone's background.
The case against
Investigating someone's educational history based on unverified media reports risks discriminatory profiling and privacy violations. Such investigations, particularly when made public, can fuel stereotyping of entire communities and discourage legitimate international study and travel. Security investigations should focus on verified facts about the actual incident rather than speculative background checks that may reflect or reinforce bias.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Australia link emerges in alleged Flydubai hijack plot as AFP launches investigation”.