WASHINGTON, D.C. — A flydubai co‑pilot alleged to have attempted a hijack on a flight to Tel Aviv is now under investigation in New Zealand, where he completed a 175‑day training program after abandoning a degree in Australia.

The incident occurred on 30 September when 182 passengers and crew aboard a 737‑800 intervened to stop Hamam al‑Hammami, 29, from taking control of the aircraft. New Zealand police confirmed that al‑Hammami arrived in Wellington in early 2018 and trained at the International Flight Academy for a full six‑month program, completing the course in May 2019.

Australian authorities are also reviewing al‑Hammami’s record. An Australian Jewish advocacy group has called for a full inquiry into the 175 days he spent in Melbourne, citing concerns that the training may have included tactics that could facilitate an unauthorized takeover. “We demand transparency about how these training sessions were conducted,” said spokesperson Maya Rosenberg.

New Zealand investigators are examining flight logs, training curricula, and security protocols at the academy. Police spokesperson Daniel Mitchell said, “We are following every lead to determine whether the training provided skills that could be used for malicious intent.” The investigation will also assess whether the airline complied with international safety standards during the incident.

Flydubai has stated that it cooperates fully with both Australian and New Zealand authorities and that no passengers were harmed. The airline reiterated its commitment to maintaining stringent crew training and in‑flight security measures, citing a 0.001% incident rate over the past decade.

Key Takeaways

• Al‑Hammami trained in New Zealand for 175 days before the attempted hijack.
• 182 passengers and crew thwarted the incident on 30 September.
• Investigations are underway in Australia, New Zealand, and by flydubai.

The unfolding inquiry highlights the global challenge of ensuring that pilot training programs meet rigorous security standards. As authorities scrutinize al‑Hammami’s background, the aviation industry is urged to review cross‑border training agreements and enhance monitoring of crew conduct to prevent future incidents.