Omani Co-Pilot Investigated in Saudi Arabia for FlyDubai Plane Incident

An Omani co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash a FlyDubai flight with 180 passengers is under investigation in Saudi Arabia. Authorities there, similar to Israel, believe the motive for the attempted attack was nationalistic rather than psychological. Meanwhile, Israeli intelligence has gathered information on the co-pilot and the pilot who reportedly saved the passengers. The investigation is focusing on whether the co-pilot was directed from abroad and if he used a weapon or aircraft equipment. International regulations prohibit pilots from flying to destinations where they are not authorized to land, highlighting a security gap that needs urgent attention.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in an interview with Fox News that the co-pilot is believed to have undergone "Islamist radicalization." While it is too early to confirm any connection to Iran, he expects answers within days. Netanyahu clarified that the United Arab Emirates is leading the investigation. He also explained that the co-pilot exploited a loophole in procedures that prevents pilots from countries without diplomatic ties to Israel from flying to Israel. "He is an Omani citizen, and we have limitations that state we cannot employ pilots from countries that do not have diplomatic relations with Israel," Netanyahu said, adding that this loophole is being addressed.

In a separate interview with CBS, Netanyahu suggested the incident was a "suicide attack attempt rather than a hijacking." He emphasized the need for thorough background checks on pilots and enhanced aircraft security, noting there is no intelligence indicating an intention for an "11 September-style attack."

Security officials previously indicated no clear evidence of Iranian direction, and an internal Shin Bet review found no specific prior warnings. A senior security official described the event as a "security and intelligence failure that could have ended in disaster," noting that pilot background checks are a persistent vulnerability. Despite this, the Omani pilot managed to pass all approval systems.

In response, El Al and Arkia airlines announced that return flights from Dubai to Tel Aviv will resume on Thursday, following security clearance. For security reasons, flights departing Israel will be empty, and passengers will only be allowed to board with hand luggage. El Al sold out its first two return flights in seconds, priced at $249 for a LITE ticket. Arkia also opened ticket sales for its special flights, with similar luggage restrictions. In parallel, a request was made to increase Etihad Airways flights from Abu Dhabi to Israel, and the Israeli government will reportedly compensate Israeli airlines for flying empty to the Emirates to bring Israelis home.