DUBAI: Australian counter-terrorism authorities are investigating a Flydubai co-pilot’s links to the country following an alleged attempt to hijack a passenger aircraft and crash it into an airport in Israel.
The Australian Federal Police said the Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team was investigating the man’s connections to Australia. The team comprises federal and state police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO).
The incident occurred aboard flight FZ1073 on September 30 while the aircraft was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a cockpit emergency axe and attempted to take control of the plane.
The aircraft diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Other pilots and passengers intervened during the incident.
On October 3, UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said investigators believed the co-pilot had shown signs of moving towards extremism while studying in Australia in 2017. He allegedly drew inspiration from the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States.
The co-pilot studied engineering at RMIT University in Melbourne but did not complete his degree, according to Australian media reports.
Investigators are examining his time in Australia and any possible links to extremist activity as part of the ongoing probe.
There has been no public confirmation that any other individual or organisation was involved in the alleged plot.
