Omani Co-Pilot Admits Planning to Crash Dubai Flight in Israel

New details have emerged in the investigation of the attempted attack on a Flydubai flight bound for Israel, with the Omani co-pilot reportedly confessing that he intended to crash the plane in Israel. The co-pilot, identified by Al-Arabiya as Mameem Al-Mamami, had previously been flagged as a security risk and suspended from flying duties. According to ABC News, citing intelligence sources, materials of an extremist nature were found in his possession in 2024 while he was an intern co-pilot at Oman Air. This led to his removal from flight roles, though he was permitted to continue in an administrative position with the airline.

Investigators are now working to understand how he was subsequently hired by Flydubai and attained the co-pilot position on a flight heading to Israel, especially after his prior suspension. Sources briefed on the investigation stated that the suspect was transferred from Saudi Arabia to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday and is cooperating with authorities. He allegedly stated his intention was to crash the aircraft in Israel. Israeli officials are expected to participate in his interrogation.

Further reports indicate that Omani authorities had previously prohibited the co-pilot from flying due to "extremism," with sources suggesting he was influenced by "extreme ideas" during a past stay in Syria. He reportedly left Oman after being banned from flying and later moved to the UAE. CNN reported that the suspect, an Omani citizen born in the UAE to an Omani father and Syrian mother, had worked for Flydubai for only eight months, and previously for Royal Air Maroc.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the incident, stating that gathered information points to Islamist radicalization and that the possibility of him not acting alone is being investigated. "He came to crash the plane with all the passengers," Netanyahu said, adding, "We are checking if he was sent, and whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price." An initial Israeli intelligence report also suggested the co-pilot was influenced by extremist preachers advocating suicide actions in the name of religion, and security agencies are examining whether another party was involved.

The incident occurred on Wednesday when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain in the cockpit and initiated a rapid dive. Israeli passengers reportedly subdued him. One passenger, Yaniv Hayun, described trying to stabilize the aircraft until another pilot, who happened to be on board, entered the cockpit and took control. The plane eventually landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Another passenger, Dr. Shota Musaev, recounted that after being neutralized and lying injured outside the cockpit, the suspect repeatedly pleaded, "Please kill me."

Following the incident, Flydubai announced a temporary suspension of its flights to Tel Aviv pending further notice and confirmed a full investigation is underway with relevant authorities.