World · Middle East · 1 hr ago
Melbourne Islamic leader rejects claims linking centre to Flydubai cockpit attack
An Omani co-pilot is in custody in the United Arab Emirates after allegedly attacking the captain of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
The injured captain and others on board restrained him, and the plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
UAE prosecutors say the co-pilot became radicalised while studying in Australia and was acquainted with a Melbourne Islamic centre called My Centre.
The centre is managed by a man known as Abu Hamza, also identified in local media as Samir Mohtadi.
Mohtadi has publicly called the accusations against him false but did not address the prosecutor’s claims directly.
Neither Mohtadi nor the centre is accused of criminal wrongdoing.
Australian police and intelligence services are investigating the co-pilot’s links to Australia.
UAE prosecutors linked a Melbourne Islamic community centre to the Omani co-pilot suspected of attacking the captain of a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv.
The centre’s leader, known as Abu Hamza and identified by local media as Samir Mohtadi, rejected what he called “false accusations.”
The prosecutors alleged the co-pilot became radicalised while studying in Australia, but neither the centre nor Mohtadi is accused of criminal wrongdoing.
The attack took place on September 30, when the co-pilot reportedly used an emergency axe against the captain during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Passengers, crew and another pilot restrained the suspect, and the aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
- Who
- Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami is suspected of attacking the captain. Melbourne community centre leader Abu Hamza, also identified as Samir Mohtadi, rejected accusations against him.
- What
- UAE prosecutors linked the centre to the co-pilot’s alleged radicalisation. The centre and its leader are not accused of criminal wrongdoing.
- When
- The flight incident occurred on September 30, 2026. Mohtadi responded publicly on Monday, October 12.
- Where
- The incident occurred aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The community centre is in Melbourne, Australia.
- Why
- Prosecutors alleged the co-pilot was inspired by Al-Qaeda’s September 11 attacks and sought to cause the greatest possible loss of life. Mohtadi did not directly address the prosecutor’s claims.
UAE prosecutors
Abu Hamza
Alleged connection
UAE prosecutors
Prosecutors alleged the co-pilot was acquainted with the Melbourne organisation known as My Centre.
Abu Hamza
Mohtadi rejected what he called “false accusations.
Criminal responsibility
UAE prosecutors
Neither the centre nor its leader is accused of criminal wrongdoing.
Abu Hamza
Mohtadi condemned the accusations but did not directly comment on the prosecutor’s claims.
with the aim of causing the greatest possible loss of life
through reading extremist literature and following online content glorifying terrorist organisations and suicide attacks
Right through the ages... those who’re righteous, they’ve always been attacked, abused, accused, killed, imprisoned – and this is the way it is
The best thing sometimes is not to say anything
The co-pilot attacked the captain during a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, and the plane landed at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
A social media video showed Mohtadi responding to accusations, according to the Times of Israel.
News outlets reported Mohtadi’s rejection of the accusations.
- Suspect
- Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani co-pilot
- Community centre
- My Center, Melbourne
- Centre leader
- Abu Hamza, also identified by local media as Samir Mohtadi
- Flight date
- September 30, 2026
- Landing airport
- Tabuk Airport, Saudi Arabia
Sources
Melbourne Islamic preacher linked to flydubai terrorist condemns ‘false accusations’
Australian man rejects UAE links to Flydubai cockpit attack: ‘false accusations’
Melbourne man linked to suspected flydubai hijacker condemns ‘false accusations’
Melbourne Islamic leader linked to suspected Flydubai hijacker condemns 'false accusations'
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