Co-pilot accused of planned terror attack

The Omani co-pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia on September 30, 2026 after an attack in the cockpit, was alleged to have planned to crash the aircraft into the passenger terminal of Ben-Gourion Airport, according to the attorney general of the United Arab Emirates. The details were made public on October 9 and specify the alleged preparation for the attack, as well as the decisive role of two other pilots on board.

Alleged premeditated terrorist plan

The prosecution states that the co-pilot of the flight connecting Dubai to Tel Aviv had begun to carry out a premeditated terrorist plan. According to the attorney general, Hamad Saïf Al-Chamsi, the man’s objective was to take control of the plane to attack the passenger terminal of Tel Aviv Ben-Gourion and cause the maximum number of casualties.

Radicalization and preparation

Investigators say the suspect, a 29-year-old Omani national, was inspired by the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States. His radicalization is said to have begun in 2017 while studying in Australia, with evidence of consulting extremist publications and online content promoting terrorist organizations and suicide attacks. The prosecution claims he used two previous flights to Tel Aviv to familiarize himself with the flight route and the airport.

Alleged solo operation

The man reportedly gave detailed confessions in the presence of his lawyer. He "stated that he acted alone, without the involvement of other people," notes Hamad Saïf Al-Chamsi. However, the investigations continue to verify this version and search for potential accomplices or connections.

Emergency axe used in attack

According to forensic findings, the co-pilot attacked the captain with an emergency axe inside the cockpit. The captain resisted and tried to call for help. The prosecution states that the forensic report notes head injuries, potentially fatal, whose characteristics are compatible with those of an emergency axe.

Sudden descent of the aircraft

There is a report of a loss of altitude of approximately 16,000 feet, or 4,900 meters, in about thirty seconds. However, the prosecution notes that the examination of recordings and technical reports continues to establish the exact sequence of actions on the controls.

Recruitment checks passed

The investigation looked into the suspect’s hiring conditions at Flydubai, which he joined in January 2026. The UAE authorities state that he met the professional and security requirements applicable: pilot’s license, good conduct certificate, and required checks. None of these procedures revealed any indications suggesting his extremist views or his intention to carry out a terrorist plan.

Previous employment and rejection

The prosecution states that the suspect worked for Oman Air from 2020 to 2024, then joined Royal Air Maroc at the beginning of 2025. Reuters reports that the Moroccan airline describes a three-month training period followed by the rejection of his application for a job.

Ongoing technical and security investigations

Beyond the terrorist qualification retained by the UAE prosecution, several technical aspects remain to be established. Authorities continue the analysis of recordings and reports, as well as the search for potential links with other people. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has opened a separate security investigation into flight FZ1073. Flydubai announced a temporary suspension of its operations to Tel Aviv at the request of the authorities.