Full Breakdown
Attempted Flydubai Hijacking Links Omani Co-pilot’s Radicalisation to Melbourne Mosque
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 30 2026, Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv was intercepted after the 29-year-old Omani co-pilot, identified in multiple reports as Hamam al-Hammami, used an emergency axe to assault the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar. The captain, assisted by another pilot, cabin crew and several Israeli passengers, regained control and the aircraft later landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. The incident involved 182 people on board, most of whom were Israeli nationals.
Background & Context
Investigators from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) allege that al-Hammami’s “drift toward extremism and terrorism” began while he was a student at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) between 2015 and 2017. The prosecutor further claimed al-Hammami became acquainted with an organization known as “MyCentre” (the Multicultural Youth Centre) in Broadmeadows, which is managed by Samir Mohtadi, also referred to as Abu Hamza.
Data & Statistics
- Passengers on board: 182 (including 150 Israeli nationals).
- Flight altitude drop: approximately 16,000 feet (4,900 meters) in 30 seconds.
- Timeline of radicalisation alleged by UAE prosecutors: 2017 (start of planning) through September 30 2026 (attempted hijacking).
Official Statements & Responses
- Israeli officials have demanded upgraded security at Dubai’s airport, including the presence of Shin Bet agents, a request the UAE has reportedly rejected.
- Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that the Victorian Joint Counter-Terrorism Team is investigating al-Hammami’s links to Australia and emphasized that the government will not pre-judge the outcome of the investigation.
- UAE authorities indicated they will withhold full investigative details from Israel, citing concerns over “honour” and sovereignty.
Criticism & Opposition
- Jonno Duniam, Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, called for a review of the federal Community Language Schools grant awarded to MyCentre, arguing that taxpayer money should not support organisations that could “promote hatred, extremism or radicalisation.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Both in my work and the work of the centre have always focused on promoting peace, harmony, mutual respect and community wellbeing. We unequivocally reject violence in all its forms,” — Samir Mohtadi
- “Such claims are unfounded, misleading and risk unfairly damaging the reputation of an organisation that has served the wider Australian community for decades.” — Samir Mohtadi
- “You’ll find those who are righteous you’ll always find have been attacked, abused, accused, killed, imprisoned, and this is the way it is,” — Samir Mohtadi
- “We will not pre-judge the outcome of their investigation,” — Mr Burke, home affairs minister
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The extent of any direct contact remains unverified.
- Australian and New Zealand authorities confirm al-Hammami’s presence in their countries for education and flight training, yet details of any extremist networking during that period have not been disclosed.
What’s Next
A planned meeting between Israeli Transportation Ministry officials and Emirati counterparts scheduled for the week following the incident was cancelled, with reports offering differing explanations for the postponement. The UAE has indicated that further updates on the investigation will be released as “transparent” disclosures continue, while Israel seeks additional security assurances before resuming Flydubai service to Tel Aviv.