Dubai: A UAE investigation has alleged that a 29-year-old Omani co-pilot involved in the Flydubai flight FZ1073 incident planned to seize control of the aircraft and carry out a suicide attack on the passenger terminal at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.
According to a statement by UAE Attorney-General Counsellor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the suspect allegedly made two earlier trips to Tel Aviv to familiarise himself with the route and airport before attempting to execute the plot during a third flight on September 30.
Investigators said the suspect allegedly attacked the captain inside the cockpit with an emergency axe. The captain resisted, while a pilot assigned to the return flight noticed unusual activity around the cockpit and intervened with the assistance of a cabin crew member and several passengers.
The injured captain was rescued and the suspect restrained. The pilots regained control of the aircraft, diverted it and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Investigation traces alleged radicalisation
The Attorney-General said the investigation traced the suspect’s alleged shift towards extremism to 2017, when he was studying in Australia. Investigators said he had been exposed to extremist literature and online content promoting terrorist groups and suicide attacks.
According to the statement, the suspect also told investigators that he had been inspired by the September 11 attacks in the United States and that this influenced his decision to pursue a career in aviation.
The suspect reportedly described his contacts with individuals associated with a centre in Melbourne known as “My Centre”. The investigation is examining these claims and any possible links relevant to the alleged plot.
Employment history and security checks examined
The investigation found that the suspect had worked for Oman Air from 2020 to 2024, briefly joined Royal Air Maroc in 2025 and moved to Flydubai in January 2026.
According to the UAE authorities, he had met the professional and security requirements applied during his recruitment, including holding a pilot’s licence, providing a certificate of good conduct and completing the prescribed checks. Those procedures, the investigation found, had not identified indications of the alleged extremist intentions.
The suspect reportedly provided a detailed confession in the presence of his lawyer, with the legally prescribed safeguards observed. He claimed to have acted alone, but investigators are continuing to examine whether others were involved.
Forensic report supports assault account
A forensic medical report found that the captain had recent injuries concentrated around the head. The injuries were consistent with those caused by an implement resembling an emergency axe, according to the UAE Public Prosecution.
Investigators have also recorded statements from the captain, the return-flight pilot, the co-pilot and other crew members. The examination of evidence, recordings and technical reports remains ongoing.
The UAE Public Prosecution said further findings would be announced as appropriate as the investigation progresses.
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