According to a U.S. media report, the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a Flydubai flight has told investigators he intended to crash the plane in Israeli territory. This report reveals a new dimension to the security incident.
ABC News, citing sources familiar with the investigation, reported that the suspect was transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE on Thursday and is now cooperating with investigators. His admission of intending to down the aircraft elevates the event to a potential act of terrorism.
Meanwhile, a Wall Street Journal report has disclosed troubling details about the co-pilot's past. According to the report, Oman Air had previously identified him as a "security risk" and suspended him from flying in 2024 while he was still a trainee, after extremist materials were found in his possession. His flying license had also been revoked by Omani authorities.
Despite this history, Flydubai later hired him and assigned him to the sensitive route between the UAE and Israel. It remains unclear whether the Omani government had shared its security concerns about this individual with other governments or airlines.
Following the incident, Flydubai announced it has temporarily suspended its flights to Tel Aviv at the request of authorities. The airline emphasized its full cooperation with the official investigation and stated it would review its decision as more information becomes available.
The event has raised serious questions about security protocols and background checks for personnel in the aviation industry, particularly on high-risk routes.
Source: ABC News, The Wall Street Journal
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