Beinahe-Katastrophe: Medien: Flydubai-Copilot wollte Tel Aviver Flughafen treffen

A near-disaster unfolded when the Flydubai copilot of a Dubai to Tel Aviv flight attempted to crash the plane into Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, according to US media citing two high-ranking US officials and an Israeli source with knowledge of the investigation. NPR reported similar information from an ongoing investigation into the incident, suggesting the copilot likely acted alone.

CNN reported that the alleged attacker likely targeted Ben Gurion Airport. The United Arab Emirates, which launched the investigation, is sharing updates with Israel. The inquiry is still in its early stages, with open questions about the attacker's intentions. The incident occurred last Wednesday when the flight was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

Emirati sources reported the copilot attacked the pilot with a rescue axe, despite sustaining serious injuries. The pilot managed to open the cockpit door, leading passengers to rush in and overpower the attacker. A second crew landed the heavily sedated aircraft in Saudi Arabia's Tabuk. The copilot, reportedly from Oman, was then transported to the UAE.

Israeli authorities believe he originated from Oman. The UAE and US media quoted a state prosecutor citing the prosecutor's office, stating the copilot attempted to take control of the plane. US media reported earlier this week that the copilot was fired from his previous job with an Oman airline due to security concerns. The Wall Street Journal cited confidential sources stating he had previously been flagged for a flight ban.

The reason cited was a concern about his radical ideological views. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he believed the copilot was Islamist indoctrinated. US Vice President JD Vance said he was investigating the possibility of Iran's involvement, though he had not seen definitive evidence. President Donald Trump acknowledged the question of Iran's possible involvement but remained cautious, stating he thinks they are responsible based on what he hears. Trump, however, added that the matter is still under investigation.