New Zealand Investigates Co-Pilot's Past Amid Dubai Flight Attack Probe

New Zealand police have confirmed they are investigating the period Hamam Al-Hamami, the co-pilot involved in an attempted attack on a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv, spent in the country. "We are examining the period he was here, along with other agencies in places where it is required," a spokesperson named Johnson told Radio New Zealand. Police have not released further details at this time. New Zealand's immigration authority declined to comment on Al-Hamami's entry dates, visa type, or flight training in the country, referring inquiries to the police.

This investigation in New Zealand follows a similar probe in Australia, where a joint counter-terrorism task force in Victoria is examining Al-Hamami's connections. Reports indicate he stayed in Australia between 2015 and 2017. RMIT University in Melbourne confirmed Al-Hamami studied engineering there but did not complete a degree.

The UAE's Attorney General has classified the incident as an "attempted terror attack." Al-Hamami was arrested in Saudi Arabia and subsequently transferred to the UAE, which is leading the investigation. In an unusual connection, the pilot who was attacked, Captain Smith, also completed his initial flight training in New Zealand approximately 18 years ago.