Saturday, October 10, 2026 - A shocking aviation security case has emerged after UAE authorities revealed that a Flydubai co-pilot allegedly planned to seize control of a passenger aircraft and crash it into Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport terminal. According to the UAE Attorney-General’s findings announced on October 9, the 29-year-old Omani national allegedly intended to cause mass casualties during a September 30 flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The suspect reportedly attacked the aircraft’s captain inside the cockpit using an emergency axe before attempting to take control of the plane. The incident triggered a desperate struggle to prevent a potential catastrophe while 174 passengers were on board.
Investigators said the suspect had allegedly used two earlier flights to Tel Aviv to familiarise himself with the route and airport before carrying out his plan. Authorities also claimed that he drew inspiration from the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and had been exposed to extremist material while studying in Australia.
The crisis was eventually brought under control after the injured captain resisted, while another pilot, cabin crew members and passengers intervened to restrain the suspect. Two reserve pilots then took control of the aircraft and diverted it to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
The revelations have raised urgent questions about aviation security and how the suspect passed the professional and security checks required for employment. UAE prosecutors said the screening procedures had not identified warning signs of his alleged extremist views or plans.
The suspect reportedly confessed to acting alone in the presence of his lawyer, but authorities said investigations into possible connections, technical evidence and other details are continuing. The case is expected to intensify scrutiny of pilot recruitment, international aviation security and procedures designed to protect passengers from threats originating inside an aircraft.
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