Australian authorities are investigating the links of a FlyDubai co-pilot to Australia after he was accused of attacking the captain of a flight travelling towards Israel.
The investigation is being carried out by a multi-agency Australian counterterrorism unit, according to police.
The co-pilot, an Omani national, allegedly attacked the captain during a FlyDubai flight in an incident that raised concerns over the safety of the aircraft and the possibility of an attempt to take control of the plane.
Australian authorities are examining the man’s history in the country as part of the wider investigation into the incident.
The investigation comes after Israeli officials said the co-pilot told UAE authorities that he had planned the attack before joining FlyDubai. Those claims are still part of an ongoing investigation and have not been independently established by Australian authorities.
The incident has attracted international attention because of the potential security implications for commercial aviation.
Australian authorities have not suggested that the man planned an attack in Australia. Instead, investigators are examining what connections he had with the country and what he did while he was there.
The case highlights the role of international cooperation in aviation security investigations, particularly when a suspect has travelled or lived in multiple countries.
Authorities are expected to continue examining the co-pilot’s movements, background and previous activities as investigators attempt to establish what led to the incident.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further information is expected as Australian and overseas authorities compare evidence and interview people connected to the case.
