‘Religious extremist’: What we know about Omani co-pilot who attacked flydubai captain

An Omani national is facing investigation after allegedly attacking the co-pilot of a flydubai flight en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Israeli authorities are probing the incident as a potential terrorist act, though the motive remains unknown. The attacker, described by a fellow pilot as displaying unusually strict religious behavior, has been handed over to Saudi authorities.

The Omani national joined Flydubai approximately eight months ago, during which time he reportedly engaged in excessive prayer and refused to shake hands with women. Eyewitnesses reported the aircraft plummeting about 14,000 feet in just 29 seconds, with passengers and crew intervening to overpower the assailant. Despite sustaining serious injuries, the Indian captain managed to regain control of the aircraft and guide it to a safe landing in Saudi Arabia.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the captain's actions, crediting him with saving all 174 passengers and crew members on board.