RMIT University in Melbourne has confirmed that a flydubai co-pilot identified by media outlets as Hammam al-Hammami studied engineering at its campus but left before completing his degree.
The co-pilot is the subject of an investigation by Australian authorities following an alleged attempted hijacking on September 30. The aircraft, carrying 182 passengers and crew bound for Tel Aviv, was the subject of intervention by passengers and crew who stopped the alleged takeover attempt.
RMIT said al-Hammami was a student at the university between 2015 and 2017. The university did not specify the reason for his departure or provide details about his academic performance during that period.
Australian authorities are examining al-Hammami's time in the country during those years as part of their investigation into the incident. No further details about the scope or focus of that examination have been disclosed in the available information.
The incident on the flydubai flight narrowly avoided disaster when those aboard intervened during the alleged hijacking attempt.