Flydubai horror takes a new turn: Co-pilot’s Australia stay comes under security scanner

Sydney: A fresh video showing the restrained flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami has emerged as investigators examine his alleged attack on Indian captain Smit Machchhar and his previous links to Australia.

A video shared by i24NEWS appears to show al-Hammami sitting on his knees inside the aircraft with his hands tied behind his back after passengers intervened during the alleged cockpit attack.

Passengers can reportedly be heard insisting that the co-pilot should be handed over to police. Two passengers who helped restrain him separately alleged that some members of the flight crew had asked them to untie him. Those claims have not been independently established, and the circumstances remain part of the wider investigation.

How the cockpit attack unfolded

The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when al-Hammami allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit.

UAE authorities have described the incident as an attempted terrorist act and said a cockpit crash axe was used in the attack. The aircraft subsequently experienced a rapid descent before passengers and other crew members intervened.

Machchhar, despite suffering serious injuries, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing others to enter and help restrain the co-pilot. The aircraft was eventually diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Australia investigates co-pilot's past

Australian authorities are now examining al-Hammami's links to the country.

According to reporting based on information from a source familiar with the case, al-Hammami received an Australian student visa in 2014 and spent around two years in Australia. He reportedly left in 2017, while the visa was cancelled in 2019 after authorities confirmed that he was no longer enrolled in the course.

The Australian Federal Police said the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, involving the AFP, Victoria Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, is investigating his links to Australia. Authorities said an update would be provided at an appropriate time.

Questions over previous aviation career

The investigation is also examining al-Hammami's professional history.

Reports have said he previously worked for Oman Air and had been removed from flying duties amid concerns about alleged extremist views. Other reports have raised questions about his subsequent employment and vetting before he joined flydubai.

These details remain subject to investigation, and authorities have not publicly established the full circumstances surrounding his employment history.

Captain Smit Machchhar's actions under scrutiny

Machchhar has been praised for his actions during the incident. In an account of the attack, he described being struck from behind after the co-pilot had asked to pray.

Despite his injuries, he was able to activate the cockpit door release. This allowed passengers and other pilots on board to enter and help regain control of the aircraft.

The UAE is leading the investigation, with authorities in several countries examining different aspects of the incident. Australia is focusing on al-Hammami's previous links to the country, while aviation and security authorities are examining the alleged attack, his background and the circumstances that allowed him to operate the flight.

Flydubai has said the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation and has declined to comment further while the inquiry continues. The airline has also suspended its Dubai-Tel Aviv flights until further notice.