Investigators are examining a possible terror connection in an incident involving FlyDubai. Eyal Hulata, former Israeli National Security Council chief, provided analysis of an attack on a FlyDubai flight en route from Dubai to Israel. An Omani co-pilot reportedly stabbed the captain, prompting passengers to restrain the suspect and resulting in an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
The FlyDubai co-pilot, accused of the mid-flight attack, had been previously grounded by Oman Air in 2024. The airline discovered that he had visited radical Islamic websites, as per a source. Authorities suspect he moved to Dubai later that year and he had spent significant time outside Oman, including periods in Syria with his mother.
The source indicated that FlyDubai did not verify the co-pilot’s background with Oman Air prior to employing him. This incident occurred aboard FlyDubai Flight 1073 as it traveled from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to details, the co-pilot attacked the captain inside the cockpit, causing the plane to nosedive. Two reserve pilots onboard managed to regain control, safely diverting the plane to Saudi Arabia. Passengers and crew subdued the suspect thereafter.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the incident as an act of terrorism, attributing it to the attacker’s “Islamic radicalization.” He mentioned ongoing investigations to determine if the suspect acted alone or had collaborators. The United Arab Emirates is leading the official investigation.
This incident has sparked debate over airline pilot vetting processes and aviation security on flights to Israel. Security analysts cited this as a major security lapse. Experts pointed out the necessity for rigorous checks to prevent similar scenarios.
Following the incident, FlyDubai has halted flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv. Efforts to contact FlyDubai were unsuccessful for immediate comment.