Flydubai attack investigation widens as alleged hijacker’s training in New Zealand scrutinised
Hamam al-Hammami spent 175 days in New Zealand until May 2019, as Australian Jewish group calls for full investigation into his time in Melbourne
TL;DR
- New Zealand is investigating flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, who allegedly attempted to hijack a plane to Tel Aviv.
- Hammami trained in New Zealand for 175 days between November 2018 and May 2019.
- He previously studied in Australia until 2017 but did not complete his engineering degree.
- The alleged hijack attempt involved a crash axe and stabbing the pilot mid-air.
- Australian Jewish groups are urging a comprehensive investigation into Hammami's connections in Australia.
- The pilot, Smit Machchhar, managed to regain control and allow passengers to subdue Hammami.
- A reserve pilot landed the plane in Saudi Arabia, where Hammami was detained.