Australian counterterrorism authorities have opened an investigation into the Australian connections of the FlyDubai co-pilot accused of attacking his captain and attempting to seize control of an Israel-bound passenger jet. The probe adds an international dimension to an incident already being treated by Emirati authorities as an attempted terrorist attack and raises new questions about whether warning signs were missed across multiple countries. Investigators in Australia, the United Arab Emirates and Israel are examining the suspect's background, travel history and possible motives as broader reviews of aviation security continue.
The development follows confirmation on Sunday that the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which includes the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organization, is examining the accused co-pilot's ties to Australia. Sources briefed on the investigation told the accused co-pilot studied in Melbourne, and one source said he attended RMIT University about a decade ago. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) told Newsweek, "The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (VIC JCTT), comprising the AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO, can confirm it is investigating the man's links to Australia.
"An update will be provided at an appropriate time." Newsweek has reached out to the Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO), RMIT University, FlyDubai and Oman Air via email for comment. Australian authorities said the counterterrorism investigation is focused on determining the nature and extent of the suspect's links to the country. While officials have released few details, sources briefed on the matter told the co-pilot attended university in Melbourne, one of Australia's largest cities and a major destination for international students.
A third source said the suspect studied at RMIT University approximately 10 years ago. The university declined to comment. The investigation comes amid separate reporting by the Financial Times that the suspect allegedly visited radical mosques and extremist websites during his time in Australia. said it had not independently verified those claims, while Australian officials have not publicly confirmed any findings from the inquiry.
UAE authorities and FlyDubai have not publicly identified the co-pilot. Several news outlets, including NBC News, have identified the suspect as Hamam al-Hammami, citing officials briefed on the investigation. Australian authorities have not accused the suspect of committing any crimes in Australia.
Instead, investigators appear focused on understanding whether his reported time in the country may provide clues about his background, ideological influences or network of contacts. The investigation stems from an incident aboard FlyDubai Flight FZ1073, which departed Dubai for Tel Aviv on Wednesday carrying more than 170 passengers and crew, most of them Israeli nationals. UAE prosecutors have described the episode as an attempted terrorist attack.
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