FlyDubai Incident in Saudi Arabia Investigated as Potential Terror Attack

The co-pilot of a FlyDubai flight is in custody in Saudi Arabia, where local investigators are questioning him to determine his motives. NBC News, citing a senior U.S. official, reported that findings from Saudi and Israeli intelligence agencies suggest the incident was a terrorist act. Saudi Arabia is conducting the investigation independently and has officially declined to cooperate with Israel or the Mossad. Despite providing assistance to passengers, Saudi Arabia has indicated this incident will not lead to closer ties with Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously told American media that Israel would join the investigation, but practical involvement is only possible through the UAE, as Saudi Arabia maintains a strict distance.

The incident has also highlighted a separate issue: dozens of Israeli citizens are stranded in Dubai due to widespread flight cancellations. This logistical problem is compounded by a pre-existing security ban imposed by the Shin Bet, prohibiting Israeli airlines like El Al, Israir, and Arkia from landing in the UAE. Meanwhile, UAE carriers, including Etihad and FlyDubai, continued to fly to Tel Aviv. While these restrictions were initially planned to last through the fall, the emergency has significantly altered the situation. Relevant Israeli authorities are now addressing the resumption of flights, and emergency rescue flights for stranded tourists may depart as early as today.