UAE: Omani Flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack

The Omani co-pilot who attacked the captain of the Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv had planned to crash the plane into Tel Aviv's international airport in a suicide attack, according to the United Arab Emirates' top prosecutor.

The statement released on Friday by Attorney General Hamad Saif al Shamsi and published by the state media did not appear to implicate Flydubai in any wrongdoing.

What has the investigation revealed so far?

According to the statement, UAE public prosecutors believe that the co-pilot's plan was inspired by the September 11, 2001, attacks on the US and aimed at "causing the greatest possible loss of life."

The investigation found that the suspect had used two previous flights to Tel Aviv to familiarize himself with the flight route and airport. He had worked for several airlines in different countries, including Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc, before joining Flydubai in January 2026.

The prosecutor's findings also showed that he met the professional and security requirements for employment.

These requirements included holding a pilot's license, providing a certificate of good conduct, and completing the necessary background checks.

"None of the procedures revealed any indications of his extremist views or his intention to carry out a terrorist plot," according to the statement.

What happened on Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv?

On September 30, the Indian captain of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was injured when the co-pilot attacked him with an axe.

The captain opened the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker and force an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

Passengers described rushing the cockpit and fighting for control after the plane suddenly descended around 5,000 meters (17,000 feet).

Most of the passengers on board were Israeli. They have been hailed as heroes in Israel.