Australian Investigation Launched Into FlyDubai Pilot's Past

Australian law enforcement agencies have opened an investigation into the past of Hammam al-Hamami, the second pilot of FlyDubai, who attempted to hijack a plane bound for Israel on September 30. Investigators are examining whether his radicalization process may have begun during his years living in Australia, according to Australian broadcaster ABC. The investigation involves police and Australian national security services, who are scrutinizing al-Hamami's biography, connections, and activities during his time in the country. Al-Hamami, an Omani citizen, obtained an Australian student visa in 2014 and studied in Australia from 2015 to 2017 before leaving. His visa was ultimately canceled in 2019 as he was no longer studying and failed to meet visa conditions. A key question for Australian counter-terrorism services is when al-Hamami developed extremist views, and whether this occurred during his studies in Australia, with investigators looking for any contacts of intelligence interest. The probe was initiated following the September 30 incident, where al-Hamami allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to seize control of the aircraft, causing it to dive. The crew and passengers managed to subdue him, and the plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Al-Hamami was detained upon landing and is currently in the custody of Saudi authorities. The UAE's Attorney General has classified the event as an attempted terrorist act. The investigation into his background is expanding internationally, with particular focus on how he continued a career in civil aviation despite previous "red flags." Media reports indicate he was previously removed from pilot training at Oman Air due to concerns about his extremist views but was subsequently hired by FlyDubai. Further details emerged from an analysis of over two thousand social media posts between November 2021 and August 2022, linked to al-Hamami, which contained biographical information matching known details. These posts included repeated expressions of support for violence, including against women, homophobic violence, and harsh punishments. In one exchange, al-Hamami threatened a woman with physical harm, stating he wanted to make an "example" of her. Another message used Russia's invasion of Ukraine to justify violence against women, comparing it to a "preventive" measure. These publications are now being considered as part of a broader picture of his views long before the FlyDubai incident.