Omani flydubai hijacking suspect held no second nationality, sources say – exclusive
Sources with knowledge of the investigation also disputed claims that the Israel-UAE aviation agreement limits pilots to nationals of countries with diplomatic ties to Israel.
In a development related to the recent flydubai flight hijacking, a source has revealed that the Omani co-pilot suspected of attempting to crash the aircraft into Israel held no second nationality, according to multiple sources familiar with the investigation. The suspect's nationality was a significant point of contention, as the Transportation Minister Miri Regev had requested the suspension of flydubai flights to and from Israel due to this factor.
However, sources now clarify that the suspect had no additional nationality, dispelling that particular concern. The hijacking occurred on Wednesday when the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain during the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where passengers subdued the attacker and additional pilots on board helped safely land the plane.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disclosed that the co-pilot had undergone radical Islamist indoctrination, though final conclusions remain pending. Israeli security officials stated that the initial assessment was that the attack was carried out by a lone individual, though the investigation is ongoing. The UAE's attorney-general ordered a probe into the incident to determine if it involved terrorist activity or planning.
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