UAE reveals details of preparing a terrorist attack on a Flydubai plane
The United Arab Emirates has revealed new circumstances of the attempted hijacking of a Flydubai passenger plane flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to investigators, the co-pilot planned to crash the airliner into the passenger terminal of Israel's Ben Gurion Airport to commit a mass-casualty terrorist attack.
This was announced on October 9 by UAE Attorney General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the state news agency WAM reported.
The investigation established that the suspect, a 29-year-old Omani citizen, had prepared for the attack in advance. He twice flew to Tel Aviv, studying the route and airport features. He attempted to carry out his plan on September 30, during his third flight to Israel on flight FZ1073.
According to the prosecution, the alleged terrorist wanted to replicate the scenario of the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States. Investigators believe those events inspired him to use a passenger plane as a weapon.
According to the investigation, the suspect's radicalization began in 2017 while he was studying in Australia. There he was exposed to extremist materials promoting the activities of terrorist organizations and suicide attacks.
The man later decided to link his professional career to aviation, planning to use the acquired skills to carry out an attack.
From 2020 to 2024 he worked for Oman Air, in early 2025 he moved to Royal Air Maroc, and in January 2026 he was hired by Flydubai.
The UAE prosecution separately examined the circumstances of his employment. It turned out that the man had a valid pilot license, provided a clearance certificate, and successfully passed the necessary professional and security checks. At that time, no signs of his extremist views had been detected.
In preparation for the attack, the suspect, according to investigators, studied terrorist materials and trained in boxing with a personal coach.
On September 30, during the flight, the man attacked the aircraft commander with a crash axe and tried to seize control of the plane.
The commander resisted and tried to call for help. The pilot on board, who was scheduled to fly the return journey, noticed unusual opening and closing of the cockpit door and tried to find out the cause.
Once inside, he saw the assault on the commander. With the help of a flight attendant and several passengers, he overpowered the attacker and assisted the injured captain.
Other pilots took control of the aircraft, changed course, and safely landed the plane at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Forensic examination confirmed that the commander sustained head injuries that could have been life-threatening. The pattern of injuries was consistent with blows from a crash axe.
In the presence of his lawyer, the suspect gave detailed confession testimony, describing his motives, preparation, and attempt to carry out the attack.
He claims he acted alone and had no accomplices. However, the prosecution continues to verify these statements and examines possible links of the man to other individuals and organizations.
Investigators are also analyzing recordings and technical materials related to the incident. The final results of the investigation have not yet been announced.
Earlier, on September 30, a Flydubai plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after an attack on the flight captain. Subsequently, the airline temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel during the investigation.
Sources: WAM / Sharjah24, Gulf News, Khaleej Times.
