Co-pilot on Flydubai flight was banned from flying by Oman

A co-pilot on Flydubai Flight 1073 attacked his captain, attempting to crash the plane mid-flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The incident, which occurred on Friday, has sparked questions about the airline's hiring practices and background checks. The Wall Street Journal reported that the co-pilot had been banned from flying by Oman due to concerns over his radical ideological views.

This ban was reportedly disclosed to other countries and airlines, including those involved in the Abraham Accords, but it is unclear if this information was shared. The co-pilot, who was hired by Flydubai despite his ban, stabbed the captain in an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft. Two other pilots in the cabin managed to regain control and safely land the plane in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

The number of passengers on board totaled 182, including four pilots. Omani authorities determined that the co-pilot held extremist views, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the co-pilot had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination, with the intention of crashing the jet. Netanyahu also warned that whoever was involved in directing the co-pilot would face consequences.