FlyDubai Pilot Planned to Crash Plane in Israel, Investigation Reveals

Israeli investigators are probing an incident involving a FlyDubai flight, seeking to determine if the co-pilot acted alone or was part of a larger terrorist plot, according to Maariv. A senior researcher, Yoni Ben Menachem, suggested that Saudi Arabia's transfer of the suspect to the UAE might stem from a desire to avoid a sensitive investigation on its own territory, which could lead to confrontation with Iran if a link to terrorism or Iran is uncovered.

Israeli officials involved in the investigation have revealed new details from the co-pilot's interrogation. The suspect reportedly researched airlines flying to Israel and specifically chose FlyDubai, stating his "dream was to crash at Ben Gurion Airport." He allegedly planned the attack before joining the airline and sought employment with various companies to achieve this goal.

Investigators believe the co-pilot visited Ben Gurion Airport multiple times for work, potentially gathering information for the attack around July. He is thought to have initially steered the plane towards Israel with the intention of crashing it but later postponed the plan, possibly due to developing doubts or a close relationship with a crew member.

Further details from the incident with flight FZ1073, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, suggest the co-pilot not only attacked the captain and attempted to put the plane into a dive but may have also tried to shut down both engines, according to Corriere della Sera. This reconstruction is based on witness accounts, crew reports, and flight data.

The suspect was initially detained by Saudi authorities, but Israel reportedly did not receive all requested information. His subsequent transfer to the UAE allowed for continued investigation with Israeli participation, focusing on whether the plot was an isolated act or part of a broader scheme, potentially involving Iran or a terrorist organization.