UAE says Omani flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Tel Aviv flight

In a dramatic turn that could reshape aviation security in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates’ Attorney General announced that an Omani co‑pilot on a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv had plotted a suicide attack on Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport. The plan, said to have been inspired by the September 11 attacks, was thwarted by the other pilot and cabin crew, allowing the jet to land safely in Saudi Arabia.

The incident occurred on 30 September 2026. Flight FZ1073 departed Dubai at 7:05 am (03:05 GMT) for Tel Aviv and climbed to 34,000 ft. A little more than two hours later, the aircraft began a steep descent that dropped it more than 17,000 ft in about two minutes before leveling out around 15,000 ft. Passengers and crew reported rushing the cockpit and fighting for control as the plane suffered a sudden plunge.

Media additions

UAE says Omani flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Tel Aviv flight | The Express Tribune

According to the prosecutor’s statement released on 9 October, the co‑pilot, a 29‑year‑old Omani national, attacked the Indian captain with a crash axe, striking him in the head. The captain opened the cockpit door, allowing other pilots and several passengers to subdue the attacker. Two reserve pilots on board then took control of the jet and diverted it to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely at 9:45 am local time (06:45 GMT). Both pilots were later transferred to Abu Dhabi after medical clearance.

Investigators say the co‑pilot had planned the attack in advance. The suspect had flown to Tel Aviv twice before the September 30 flight, using those trips to “familiarise himself with the route and the airport.” The plan was reportedly inspired by the 9/11 attacks on the United States, according to the UAE Attorney General. The prosecutor noted that signs of extremism first appeared in 2017 while the suspect was studying in Australia, where he was “influenced by extremist ideology through reading radical publications and consuming online content glorifying terrorist organisations and suicide attacks.”

While the suspect had met all professional and security requirements for employment—holding a valid pilot’s licence, providing a certificate of good conduct, and passing background checks—no indication of extremist views emerged during the vetting process. The investigation also found that the suspect had worked for several airlines, including Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc, before joining FlyDubai in January 2026. Royal Air Maroc reported that the suspect underwent three months of training there in 2025, but his application to work for the airline thereafter was rejected.

The UAE prosecutor said the suspect had confessed to acting alone, although investigators are still examining whether others were involved. The Attorney General’s statement did not implicate FlyDubai in any wrongdoing; it focused solely on the individual’s alleged intent. Saudi authorities have launched a separate safety investigation into Flight FZ1073, with sources indicating that the investigation is still underway.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a “thorough review of all security aspects of foreign civil aviation to Israel” in response to the incident. The incident comes at a time when Israel and the UAE have been deepening ties under the Abraham Accords, with Israel maintaining stringent security checks on those travelling to the country.

The UAE’s public prosecutor noted that the suspect had “prepared psychologically and physically for the attack by viewing material promoting terrorism and taking boxing lessons.” The investigation is ongoing, with further findings expected as evidence is examined and flight recordings reviewed.

Timeline of Key Events

• 30 September 2026 – Flight FZ1073 departs Dubai; descent and cockpit incident.
• 1 October 2026 – UAE prosecutors launch criminal investigation.
• 9 October 2026 – Attorney General releases statement detailing the alleged plot.

What to Watch Next

• UAE prosecutors are expected to announce further findings as they examine flight recordings and technical reports.
• Saudi Arabia’s safety investigation will likely release its assessment of the aircraft’s systems and crew actions.
• Both Israel and the UAE may review their aviation security protocols in light of the incident.

For more on the flight’s fate and the broader implications for Middle‑East aviation security, see FlyDubai co‑pilot planned to crash into Israel airport and UAE classifies flydubai cockpit attack as terrorism.