Flydubai co‑pilot plotted suicide attack on TelAviv airport, UAE probe reveals

The United Arab Emirates has uncovered a premeditated terrorist plot behind the Flydubai flight FZ1073 incident, according to findings released by the Public Prosecution.

Counsellor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the UAE Attorney‑General, said the 29‑year‑old Omani co‑pilot intended to seize control of the aircraft and crash it into the passenger terminal at TelAviv’s Ben Gurion Airport. Investigators found he had taken two prior flights to TelAviv to study the route and airport layout before attempting the attack on 30 September.

During the flight, the suspect allegedly attacked the captain with an emergency axe inside the cockpit. A pilot assigned to the return leg noticed irregular door movements, entered the cockpit, and helped subdue the attacker with assistance from crew and passengers. The aircraft was diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

Investigators traced the suspect’s radicalization to 2017, when he was studying in Australia and exposed to extremist content. He later worked for Oman Air,Royal Air Maroc, and Flydubai. Despite meeting all professional and security requirements, his extremist views went undetected during recruitment.

The suspect confessed to acting alone, though authorities continue to probe possible links and accomplices. Forensic reports confirmed the captain’s head injuries were consistent with an emergency axe. The UAE Public Prosecution is reviewing technical evidence and recordings before releasing further findings.