New Zealand investigates flydubai hijacker's ties to country
New Zealand and Australian authorities are investigating the background of a flydubai co-pilot who recently hijacked a flight. The investigation focuses on his past activities and training connections within both countries.
Why it matters
International security cooperation is essential for aviation safety, especially when perpetrators have cross-border histories.
New Zealand Police are investigating flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami's time spent in the country, the New Zealand Herald reported on Monday morning, citing Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Johnson.“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."Additionally, the New Zealand Herald reported that Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot whom Hammami attacked aboard the flydubai flight, had trained in the island country.Machchhar had reportedly trained with New Zealand's Mainland Air between 2008 and 2009, maintaining a relationship as an India-based recruitment agent.The New Zealand Herald cited Mainland Air's Chief Executive Philip Kean, who told the New Zealand Herald that Machchhar had trained with the airline between 2008 and 2009, maintaining a relationship as an India-based recruitment agent.“They have incapacitation training for pilots…
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