FlyDubai co-pilot stabs commander after flight ban in Oman due to suspected radicalisation

The FlyDubai co-pilot who stabbed the commander of FlyDubai flight FZ1073 had previously been banned from flying by Oman over fears he had adopted radical ideological positions. Informed sources reported this to the Wall Street Journal. Despite this ban, the Omani pilot was hired by FlyDubai and was tasked with operating on the delicate route connecting the United Arab Emirates and Israel. It is not clear whether Oman shared concerns about the pilot's radicalization with other countries or airlines, nor was it possible to know the nature of that radicalization. According to a former airline crew member, all FlyDubai pilots undergo pre-flight safety checks and medical checks at least once a year. Additionally, the airline carries out internal psychological assessments for first officers who move up to the role of commander but it is not known whether the perpetrator of the attack underwent a similar screening. However, an Israeli official said that Israel has long asked Dubai airport authorities to strengthen security on flights to Tel Aviv. For several months this year, Israel banned its airlines from operating flights to and from Dubai due to security concerns and risks associated with the war against Iran.