Flydubai attack investigation widens as alleged hijacker’s training in New Zealand scrutinised

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 8, 2026

New Zealand authorities have launched an investigation into the background of Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, who attempted to hijack a flight to Tel Aviv after receiving flight training in the country in 2018-2019. The probe is part of a broader international effort to assess Hammami’s motives, potential links, and how he gained access to the aircraft amid growing concerns over aviation security.

New Zealand authorities have opened an investigation into the background of Hamam al-Hammami, the flydubai co-pilot accused of attempting to hijack a flight to Tel Aviv on September 30. The probe follows confirmation that Hammami received flight training in New Zealand during late 2018 and early 2019.

The incident aboard the aircraft, carrying 182 passengers and crew, was averted after others intervened when Hammami allegedly tried to seize control mid-flight. According to the United Arab Emirates’ prosecutor general, Hammami, a 29-year-old Omani national, reportedly wielded a crash axe and stabbed the pilot during the attempted hijacking. Officials in Israel and neighboring countries have suggested that Hammami may have initially planned the attack months earlier but delayed carrying it out until September.

New Zealand Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Johnson stated that Hammami was in the country on a student visa from November 30, 2018, until May 23, 2019. During this time, he was completing part of his flight training with a UK-based company that has since ceased operations in New Zealand. Authorities in New Zealand are now investigating the circumstances of his training and activities during his stay.

The investigation in New Zealand adds to efforts by multiple countries to understand Hammami’s background, motives, and whether he was acting alone. Australian security agencies have also launched inquiries after it was revealed that Hammami spent approximately two years as a student in Australia, leaving the country in 2017 without completing an engineering degree at RMIT University in Melbourne.

Some of Hammami’s online presence, including a now-deleted social media profile believed to belong to him, may also be under review by investigators. Authorities continue to piece together the sequence of events and the extent of any broader networks potentially involved in the incident.

At this stage, details remain limited as security and law enforcement agencies coordinate internationally to determine how Hammami obtained flight access and the full scope of his intentions. The attempted hijacking has heightened concerns over aviation security and the vetting processes for flight crews traveling internationally.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.