Flydubai co-pilot completed portion of his flight training in New Zealand, police says

Investigations Continue Over Former Flydubai Co‑Pilot After Capital Assault

Wellington, Oct 6 (Reuters). New Zealand police confirmed that the co‑pilot involved in an alleged assault against his captain on a recent flight travelled to New Zealand approximately one year earlier to fulfil a segment of his mandatory aviation training linked to a UK‑based airline.

According to immigration records, the individual held a six‑month temporary study visa and was located in the country from 30 November 2018 until 23 May 2019.

Assistant Commissioner Michael Johnson clarified: “Immigration documentation shows the guest arrived on 30 November 2018 and departed on 23 May 2019.” He added that the visitor came to complete a portion of his air‑training programme before the airline withdrew from the nation.

Police verified that the man was in Wellington between November 2018 and May 2019 on a six‑month student visa granted under an agreement between New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates.

The UAE prosecutor‑general described the July incident—where the former crew member used a sharp weapon on his captain—as a tragic “terrorist attack.”

Intelligence reports identify the suspect as Hamam al‑Hammami, an Omani national. While Israeli officials confirmed the nationality without offering additional detail, both UAE authorities and flydubai have withheld the co‑pilot’s full name.

Reuters was unable to secure an interview with Mr Al‑Hammami, who remains in UAE detention, prior to his brief statement.

A pooled Australian counter‑terrorism unit is concurrently examining the accused’s possible connections to the continent.

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