Flydubai hijacker studied in UK, New Zealand, Australia, countries investigating - report

Hamam al-Hammami, the copilot accused of trying to hijack and crash a flydubai aircraft bound for Israel, studied to become a pilot in Britain, The Telegraph reported on Tuesday. 

Hammami trained with L3 Airline Academy, now a part of Acron Aviation, a pilot-training company with centers in Britain, including in Southampton and Bournemouth, as well as a simulator center near Gatwick, according to the report.

L3 also had a relationship with Oman Air, where Hammami worked until February 2025, with the airline having named the aviation school as one of five internationally recognized institutions whose graduates would qualify for Oman Air's pilot recruitment program, the Telegraph wrote.

Hammami was fired from Oman Air for views described as too close to Islamic extremism before being hired by flydubai eight months ago. 

Acron Aviation neither confirmed nor denied having enrolled Hammami, telling the Telegraph it did not disclose whether individuals were current or former students. 

“We were saddened to hear of this incident, and our thoughts are with everyone affected. As a matter of policy, we do not publicly comment on whether any individual is or has been a student with us," a spokesperson told the Telegraph, adding that the company would assist relevant authorities in any way they could. 

Hammami studied in Australia, UK, and New Zealand

Hammami referred to his education in the UK in a now-deleted Twitter account where he said he had "studied in Australia, Britain, and New Zealand for five years." He also spoke about his experiences with "European feminists."

His Twitter account included posts advocating for violence against women and severe restrictions regarding marriage, dress, and working outside the home.

New Zealand Police are now investigating Hammami's time spent in the country, according to the New Zealand Herald, which cited Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Johnson on Monday morning.

“Police are aware the co-pilot spent time in New Zealand, and we are looking into the time he spent here, alongside other agencies where appropriate,” Johnson told local media. “We are unable to comment further at this time."

Investigation underway into Hammami's radicalization

Australian authorities are currently conducting an investigation into whether or not Hammami had been radicalized while in the country.

"The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (VIC JCTT), comprising the AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO, can confirm it is investigating the man's links to Australia. An update will be provided at an appropriate time," an Australian Federal Police (AFP) spokesperson said, referring to the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.

The Financial Times reported on Sunday that Hammami had allegedly visited radical mosques and extremist websites while in Australia, citing two people familiar with the investigation.

Australian intelligence services held a file on the individual, according to the FT.