The short version
- Australian federal police and intelligence agencies are investigating the connections of an alleged hijacker to his time as a student in Melbourne between 2015 and 2017.
- RMIT University confirmed the individual was enrolled in an engineering program but departed Australia before completing his qualification or obtaining a degree.
- The incident involved an attempted takeover of a flight bound for Tel Aviv, resulting in the suspension of services and the transfer of both pilots to the United Arab Emirates.
Australian security agencies have launched a formal investigation into the background of an Omani national identified as Hammam al-Hammami, who is accused of attempting to hijack a commercial flight. The probe focuses on his period of residence in Australia between 2015 and 2017, during which he was enrolled at RMIT University in Melbourne. This development follows the dramatic mid-air incident on September 30, where passengers and crew intervened to prevent the co-pilot from taking control of a Flydubai aircraft carrying 182 people to Tel Aviv.
RMIT University issued a statement confirming that al-Hammami was indeed a former student at its Melbourne campus. The institution clarified that while he was enrolled in an engineering qualification, he did not successfully complete the program. University officials noted that due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, they could not provide additional details regarding his academic record or conduct during his enrollment. Former students contacted by reporters stated they had no recollection of al-Hammami during their time at the university.
The Australian Federal Police, in coordination with the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and Victoria Police, are examining the man’s links to the country. A source familiar with the case indicated that al-Hammami was granted a student visa in 2014 and arrived in Australia the following year to begin his studies. He departed the country in 2017, and his visa was subsequently cancelled in 2019 after authorities verified he was no longer enrolled in any educational program. The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team has confirmed it is actively investigating these connections.
The incident itself involved significant violence within the cockpit. According to the United Arab Emirates’ prosecutor general, al-Hammami allegedly used a crash axe during what was described as a terrorist attack. The captain of the flight, identified as Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, was stabbed mid-air before passengers and crew members managed to subdue the co-pilot. The severity of the attempt led to immediate suspensions of Flydubai flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv while safety protocols are reviewed.
Both pilots have been transferred to the United Arab Emirates, which is leading the primary investigation into the incident. Israeli officials and other international partners are participating in the inquiry. A spokesperson for Flydubai stated that the airline was not in a position to comment further on the circumstances, emphasizing that the situation remains under active investigation. The suspension of flights reflects the gravity of the security breach and the need for thorough examination of crew vetting procedures.
Background checks reveal additional educational history for al-Hammami outside of Australia. Buckinghamshire New University in the United Kingdom confirmed that a student by the same name had previously completed a distance-learning course in aviation management. The British institution explicitly stated that he did not undertake any pilot training at their facilities, suggesting his flight credentials were obtained through other channels. This detail adds complexity to the profile of an individual who managed to secure a position as a co-pilot despite previous professional setbacks.
Reports indicate that al-Hammami had faced professional restrictions prior to joining Flydubai. Media outlets have cited information suggesting he was barred from flying by Omani authorities due to concerns regarding his adoption of extremist views. Following this restriction, he reportedly moved into an administrative role at Oman Air before eventually being hired by the UAE-based budget carrier. The transition from a grounded status in Oman to a flight deck position in the UAE raises questions about the screening processes employed by international airlines.
While court records show that other individuals charged with terror offenses or suspected of Islamic extremism studied at RMIT during the same period, there is no indication that al-Hammami knew any of these individuals. The investigation aims to determine whether his time in Australia played a role in his radicalization or planning. As multiple agencies coordinate their efforts, an update on the findings regarding his Australian connections is expected at an appropriate time. The case underscores the challenges of international security cooperation and the scrutiny now facing aviation hiring practices.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Alleged flydubai attacker left Australia without finishing engineering course, university says
