Flydubai co-pilot accused of axe attack on fellow pilot spent time in New Zealand, confirm police
The co-pilot accused of an attempted jihadist terror attack on an Israel-bound plane. (Social media)
"We are looking into the time he spent here, alongside other agencies where appropriate."
The Omani co-pilot accused of trying to hijack a Flydubai flight in a bloody attack last week had spent time in New Zealand, police have confirmed.
Hammam al-Hammami has been named as the co-pilot accused of attacking his colleague Captain Smit Machchhar on board Flight FZ1073 bound for Israel, and trying to seize controls of the flight.
Last week's flight – carrying at least 170 passengers - dropped 16,625 feet in just over 30 seconds, according to Reuters.
Machchhar was covered in blood when he managed to release the cockpit door, which allowed passengers and crew to overpower the co-pilot and regain control of the flight.
International investigators are still working to determine a motive for the attempted hijacking.
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NZ Police assistant commissioner Michael Johnson said police were aware that Hammam al-Hammami had spent time in New Zealand.
"We are looking into the time he spent here, alongside other agencies where appropriate.
"We are unable to comment further at this time," he said in a statement to RNZ.
Captain Machchhar completed his early flight training in New Zealand 18 years ago with Mainland Air.
Mainland Air chief executive Philip Kean told RNZ he was pleased with how his former student managed the ordeal.
Immigration New Zealand declined to answer RNZ's queries including when Hammam al-Hammami entered NZ; what type of visa he had and whether he had a student visa to undergo pilot training in NZ; and whether INZ identified any security issues during his visa application process.
It said in a statement: "New Zealand Police are the lead agency for this matter. Please direct any further questions to them."
The SIS have also been approached for comment on Hammam al-Hammami's entry into New Zealand.
(This story was first published on rnz.co.nz)
