Flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Tel Aviv airport: UAE prosecutor

In a shocking incident, a co-pilot aboard a Flydubai jet plotted a suicide attack on Tel Aviv's international airport, according to the UAE's top prosecutor. The Omani co-pilot drew inspiration from the infamous September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks carried out by Al-Qaeda, aiming to inflict maximum casualties. The prosecutor's findings, published by state media, revealed that the co-pilot had met all the necessary professional and security requirements to secure his employment, including possessing a pilot's license, a certificate of good conduct, and undergoing requisite checks.

As the plane descended approximately 5,000 meters, passengers and crew were awakened by a sudden plunge. Chaos ensued as passengers rushed to the cockpit, leading to a fierce struggle for control. The Indian captain of the aircraft was injured during a violent confrontation with the co-pilot, who wielded an axe. However, the captain managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to overpower the attacker and force an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

The passengers on board were predominantly Israeli, reflecting the overwhelmingly Israeli demographic of those aboard the aircraft.