Saudi Arabia Investigates Oman Air Pilot After Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight Diversion
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Saudi Arabia investigates Omani co-pilot after flight diversion.
- Israeli passengers subdued the alleged assailant on the flight.
- UAE launches separate terrorism investigation into the incident.
- Israel to monitor investigation and prepare for flight resumptions.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu to convene Security Cabinet on Sunday.
Saudi Arabia is leading the investigation into an Oman Air co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash a Flydubai flight en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Tuesday. The flight, carrying 174 passengers including 27 children, was diverted to Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot reportedly attacked the captain and caused a disturbance in the cockpit. Four Israeli passengers, Yaniv Hayun, Assaf Radwan, Tzviya Mans, and Shota Musayev, are credited with subduing the assailant, believed to be armed with a "crash axe" found in the cockpit, and preventing further harm.
While Saudi Arabia is handling the primary investigation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will monitor the probe and may participate. An Israeli official suggested the suspect, identified as an Omani co-pilot, might be transferred to the United Arab Emirates for further questioning, as the flight originated from Dubai. This potential transfer is considered significant for Israel due to its established security ties with Abu Dhabi.
The UAE has also launched its own investigation, with the Public Prosecutor examining whether the incident constitutes an act of terrorism. Israeli security officials from the Shin Bet are expected to arrive in Dubai to prepare for the resumption of flights by Israeli airlines, which are slated to recommence on Wednesday.
Many Israelis remain stranded in Dubai following the incident. In response, Emirates and Etihad airlines are considering increasing their daily flight frequencies on the Tel Aviv-Abu Dhabi route. Prime Minister Netanyahu is scheduled to convene the Security Cabinet on Sunday, following the flight incident and a warning about potential attacks against Israel ahead of elections.
Passengers eventually returned to Israel approximately half a day after the incident. Some were initially reluctant to board another Emirati airline flight while still in Saudi Arabia, but were persuaded when it became clear there were no alternatives, especially after Saudi Arabia denied permission for an Israeli rescue flight.
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