The New Zealand police revealed on Tuesday that the co-pilot of Flydubai, Hamam Al-Hamami, who allegedly attacked the aircraft's captain last week, was in New Zealand to complete part of his aviation training for a UK-based company. The authorities clarified that Al-Hamami was residing in New Zealand from November 2018 to May 2019 under a six-month student visa.
The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was carrying 172 passengers, including 166 Israelis, along with crew members, on a journey from Dubai to Tel Aviv. During the flight, the co-pilot attacked the Indian captain with an emergency axe. Despite sustaining injuries, the captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to subdue the assailant.
The aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport. In a statement sent via email to Reuters, New Zealand Police Deputy Commissioner Michael Johnson noted, "Immigration records show that he arrived in New Zealand on November 30, 2018, and departed on May 23, 2019." He further confirmed that the co-pilot was in the country to complete part of his training for a UK company that is no longer operational in New Zealand.
Currently, the police are reviewing records and conducting investigations regarding Al-Hamami's time in New Zealand. Meanwhile, the Attorney General of the UAE has stated that the co-pilot on Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was heading to Israel from Dubai, attacked the captain with an emergency axe, categorizing the incident as a "terrorist attack." Sources indicate that the co-pilot is an Omani national named Hamam Al-Hamami. While Israeli officials have not disclosed the co-pilot's identity, they confirmed he is from Oman. Neither the UAE authorities nor Flydubai has publicly revealed the co-pilot's identity.
An Australian counter-terrorism unit comprising multiple agencies is investigating the connections this individual may have with Australia.
As reported by okaz.com.sa.
