Co-pilot is said to have planned terrorist attack on Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv
Quick Look
- The co-pilot of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv is said to have attacked the pilot in the cockpit with an ax and attempted to take over the plane.
- Investigations are ongoing into motives and circumstances.
- The man is said to have previously been suspended from Oman Air for extremist material.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv is a regular connection of the Emirati airline Flydubai. The co-pilot is said to have previously been employed by Oman Air, where he was suspended in 2024 for extremist material.
According to information from the United Arab Emirates, the arrested co-pilot on a Flydubai flight is said to have planned a terrorist attack. The man attacked the pilot in the cockpit with an ax and tried to take control of the plane, the Emirates Attorney General said. The investigation into the circumstances and motive was ongoing. Physical and digital evidence would also be examined.
The Emirati airline's flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday when the co-pilot attacked the pilot. According to his own statements, the pilot managed to open the cockpit door despite serious injuries. Several passengers were then able to overpower the attacker.
As CNN and ABC News report, the man is said to have been classified as a security risk and suspended by his former employer, Oman Air. According to reports, extremist material was found on him as early as 2024. At that time he was employed as a co-pilot in training at Oman Air. According to ABC News, investigators are currently trying to figure out how the man managed to fly for Flydubai despite the flight ban.
This article will continue to be updated.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
There will be an official investigation into Flydubai's staffing.
Very likely · Within weeks
Aviation safety guidelines for the employment of pilots could be tightened.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- How could the man be hired at Flydubai despite the flight ban?
- What specific extremist material was found on him in 2024?
- What were the motives behind the attack?
- Which security gaps in personnel testing have become apparent?
