FlyDubai co-pilot accused in Israel-bound flight attack trained in UK, New Zealand: What we know

FlyDubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, accused of attacking the captain of an Israel-bound flight, trained in the UK and New Zealand before joining the airline, according to the Telegraph. 

The FlyDubai co-pilot accused of attempting a murder-suicide mission on an Israel-bound flight underwent pilot training in the UK and New Zealand, according to The Telegraph, as authorities examine his background following the alleged cockpit attack.

Hamam al-Hammami, 29, trained with L3 Airline Academy between 2018 and 2019, according to the newspaper. The company is now part of Acron Aviation, which has said it will assist with any investigation, the report said.

His training history is among the details being examined as authorities in several countries piece together al-Hammami's movements and career before the alleged attack.

Quick answers to key questions

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QUESTIONS

Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar on a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight using an ax, leading to a significant altitude plunge before passengers and crew intervened.

His training history in the UK and New Zealand is under scrutiny as authorities seek to understand his background and any potential red flags prior to the alleged attack.

Despite suffering serious injuries, Captain Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to help subdue the co-pilot and stabilize the aircraft.

Given the events surrounding al-Hammami's tenure and prior dismissal from Oman Air over concerns, this incident raises questions about the adequacy of background checks for pilots.

The Israeli government has identified al-Hammami as the co-pilot involved and has taken measures to enhance security protocols and examine the incident's implications for aviation safety.

Where did Hamam al-Hammami train?

Al-Hammami was enrolled at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, between 2015 and 2017, but did not complete an engineering qualification, according to the report.

He later travelled to New Zealand, where he undertook flight training for a UK-based company between November 2018 and May 2019, New Zealand Assistant Commissioner Michael Johnson said in a statement.

Al-Hammami was in New Zealand on a six-month student visa, Johnson said. Police are continuing to investigate how he spent his time in the country.

According to The Telegraph, the training arrangement at the time allowed cadets to undertake ground training in Southampton in southern England before travelling to New Zealand for flight training.

Al-Hammami's training with L3 Airline Academy took place between 2018 and 2019, the newspaper reported.

What happened on the FlyDubai flight?

The Israeli government has identified al-Hammami as the pilot who allegedly attempted to hijack a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight on Sept. 30.

He allegedly attacked the captain with an ax inside the cockpit. Flight-tracking data showed that the Boeing aircraft plunged more than 14,000 feet in 30 seconds.

The aircraft was carrying more than 170 passengers. It eventually landed safely at a regional airport in Saudi Arabia after passengers and a reserve crew member intervened to subdue al-Hammami and help stabilise the aircraft.

The incident has prompted authorities in several countries to examine al-Hammami's background, including his education, travel and aviation career.

What was al-Hammami's previous aviation career?

Before joining FlyDubai, al-Hammami had worked for Oman Air. He was previously dismissed by the airline over concerns about his radical views, according to the report.

He subsequently secured a position with FlyDubai, the Dubai-based low-cost carrier and sister airline of Emirates.

The details of his previous employment are now part of the wider scrutiny surrounding the alleged incident. However, the available information does not establish whether his earlier dismissal was connected to the events on the FlyDubai flight.

Why is his training history significant?

Al-Hammami's career and training took place across several countries, with records and accounts involving Australia, the UK and New Zealand.

Authorities are now examining his movements and activities before the alleged attack. New Zealand police, for instance, are investigating how he spent his time in the country while on a student visa.

Acron Aviation has said it will assist with any investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case, according to The Telegraph.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details about al-Hammami's training, employment history and the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack could emerge as authorities examine the case

About the Author

Anjali Thakur is a Senior Assistant Editor with Mint, reporting on trending news, entertainment and health, with a focus on stories driving digital conversations. Her work involves spotting early signals across news cycles and social media, sharpening stories for SEO and Google Discover, and mentoring young editors in digital-first newsroom practices. She is known for turning fast-moving developments—whether news-driven or culture-led—into clear, tightly edited journalism without compromising editorial rigour.<br><br> Before joining Mint, she was Deputy News Editor at NDTV.com, where she led the Trending section and covered viral news, breaking developments and human-interest stories. She has also worked as Chief Sub-Editor at India.com (Zee Media) and as Senior Correspondent with Exchange4media and Hindustan Times’ HT City, reporting on media, advertising, entertainment, health, lifestyle and popular culture.<br><br> Anjali holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miranda House, and is currently pursuing an MBA, strengthening her understanding of business strategy and digital media economics. Her writing balances newsroom discipline with a clear instinct for what resonates with readers.

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