UAE Prosecutor: Flydubai Co-pilot Planned to Crash Plane at Ben Airport
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
The suspect attacked the pilot with an axe, but was subdued by another pilot and crew. His radicalization reportedly began in 2017, fueled by extremist content and an obsession with the 9/11 attacks. He allegedly scouted the airport on previous trips to Tel Aviv.
The story in 4 lines · by baba
- The suspect attacked the pilot with an axe before being subdued by other crew and passengers.
- Investigators believe his radicalization began in 2017 after exposure to extremist content in Australia.
- The suspect confessed to acting alone, but investigations into potential accomplices are ongoing.
- Israeli authorities have not yet found links to terrorist groups or Iran.
The Attorney General of the United Arab Emirates, Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, revealed new details from the investigation into the Flydubai incident.
During the incident, the suspect attacked the pilot with an emergency axe inside the cockpit. Another pilot, scheduled to operate the return flight, noticed unusual activity at the cockpit door, entered using the security code, and intervened in the attack with the help of a crew member and several passengers. The injured pilot was evacuated, and the suspect was apprehended.
The UAE Attorney General stated that the suspect's radicalization began in 2017 while he was studying in Australia, where he was exposed to extremist content glorifying terrorist organizations and suicide bombings. He developed an obsession with the September 11th attacks and prepared for his plan by consuming inciting material and training in boxing.
Investigators found that the suspect used two previous trips to Tel Aviv to study the flight path and airport layout, attempting to execute his plan on a third visit. He had previously worked for Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc before joining Flydubai in January 2026. The prosecution stated that he met all professional and security requirements during his hiring, and no signs of his intentions were detected at that time.
The suspect has confessed to the acts and the planning, claiming he acted alone. The UAE prosecution is continuing to investigate whether he had accomplices or further connections, analyzing recordings and technical reports. Israeli authorities have not yet identified any links to terrorist organizations or Iran.
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