The leader of a Melbourne Islamic centre has denied any connection to the accused hijacker of a Flydubai flight, categorically rejecting claims linking the pilot to the organisation. Samir Mohtadi, who is also known as Abu Hamza, stated he never met the suspect, Omani national Hammam al-Hammami, and emphasized the centre’s longstanding commitment to peace and community service.
Al-Hammami, aged 29, was detained after an alleged attempt to hijack a Flydubai flight on September 30. The flight, carrying 182 passengers and crew, was en route to Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv when the alleged "premeditated terrorist plot" was reportedly thwarted by the onboard passengers and crew. The UAE attorney-general accused al-Hammami of embracing extremist ideology during his time in Australia, particularly while studying engineering at RMIT University in Melbourne in 2017. He later completed flight training in New Zealand before qualifying as a commercial pilot.
Officials from the UAE indicated that al-Hammami had told prosecutors his radicalisation stemmed from exposure to extremist materials and inspiration drawn from the September 11 attacks in the United States. According to the attorney-general, he prepared for the plot by increasing engagement with terrorist propaganda and undertaking physical and psychological preparation, including boxing training.
The UAE authorities stated that al-Hammami admitted to regularly attending a mosque affiliated with RMIT University and becoming acquainted with people connected to a Melbourne centre known as “MyCentre,” which is managed by Mohtadi. However, the attorney-general’s statement did not specify whether al-Hammami had met Mohtadi or if anyone at the centre was involved in his radicalisation. There was no suggestion from the UAE government that the centre’s staff or associates were aware of his intentions before the alleged hijacking attempt.
In response, Mohtadi issued a statement denying any association with al-Hammami or his activities, asserting that the MyCentre had no records indicating the suspect had ever attended. He described the allegations as unfounded and damaging to an organisation that has provided community services—ranging from education and sports facilities to medical and spiritual support—open to Muslims and non-Muslims alike for decades. Mohtadi reaffirmed the centre’s dedication to promoting peace, harmony, mutual respect, and well-being, condemning violence in all forms.
On Sunday night, Mohtadi released a video through the centre’s Facebook page, addressing the issue indirectly by reflecting on the Islamic teaching concerning silence in the face of attacks. He did not comment directly on the hijacking allegations or al-Hammami.
Australian authorities have launched an investigation into al-Hammami’s time in the country, where he lived for approximately two years before leaving. New Zealand officials are also reviewing his activities during his flight training there between late 2018 and mid-2019. Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, indicated that al-Hammami was likely radicalised online and stressed the government’s intent to enhance screening measures both at the border and in digital environments.