Flydubai Co‑Pilot Attack Sparks Australian Investigation

Sun Oct 04 2026 19:47:42 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Australia probes the co‑pilot’s ties after a crash‑axe saga on a Dubai‑to‑Tel Aviv flight.

On 30 September, a Flydubai co‑pilot tried to seize control of a flight to Israel using a crash axe, forcing passengers to intervene. The incident ended safely after the plane diverted to Saudi Arabia, but raised questions about the pilot’s background. Australian authorities are investigating links between the co‑pilot, a former student citizen, and potential radicalisation gained while in Australia. The case highlights aviation safety and the global threat of in‑flight attacks.

🚨 In a 60‑second break‑through, we unpack the tense showdown on a Flydubai flight that nearly turned into a hijack.

9/30: Co‑pilot Hamam al‑Hammami struck the captain with a crash‑axe.
Passengers overpowered the co‑pilot and forced a diversion to Saudi Arabia.
A number of reserve pilots landed the plane safely.
Australia is probing the pilot’s former student visa and potential radicalisation during 2015‑2017 stay.
UAE authorities say the attempt was a “terrorist act.”

🤔 Why Australia? The co‑pilot studied in Adelaide (2015‑17), then had his visa cancelled in 2019 after dropping out. Security teams are now checking if extremist training happened while he was there.

🍿 Tune in next time for a quick look at how airlines are beefing up cockpit security after incidents like this.