UAE says Omani FlyDubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Ben Gurion airport

AI-generated briefing · First published 2026-10-09 20:20:37 UTC

UAE prosecutors say an Omani co-pilot planned to crash a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight into Ben Gurion airport on 30 September, inspired by 9/11.

UAE prosecutors say an Omani FlyDubai co-pilot planned to seize a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight and crash it into Ben Gurion airport on 30 September in a suicide attack inspired by the 9/11 attacks, aiming for maximum loss of life. [1] [2] [3]

The suspect had used two earlier flights to Tel Aviv to familiarise himself with the route and airport. He had worked for Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc before joining FlyDubai in January 2026. [1] [2]

On 30 September the Indian captain was attacked with an axe; he opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker and divert the plane to Saudi Arabia. [2]

Sources

1. 🔴 FlyDubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Tel Aviv airport, inspired by 9/11, UAE prosecutor says

   France 24 English · 2026-10-09 17:09:59 UTC · Full text

2. UAE: Omani Flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack

   DW English · 2026-10-09 18:23:00 UTC · Full text

3. Attacker in FlyDubai Flight Meant to Crash Into Israeli Airport, Emiratis Say

   NY Times · 2026-10-09 19:40:54 UTC · Summary only

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