flydubai FZ1073 probe: Inside Omani co-pilot’s past and startling confession to UAE investigators
The Omani co-pilot accused of plotting a suicide attack on Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport told UAE investigators that his extremist beliefs began taking shape while he was studying in Australia , according to findings outlined by the UAE Public Prosecution. The 29-year-old suspect is accused of attacking the captain of flydubai flight FZ1073 with an emergency axe on September 30, allegedly as part…
UAE investigators have uncovered the Omani co-pilot's alleged radicalisation, which began during his studies in Australia. According to the Public Prosecution, he started reading extremist literature and accessing online material glorifying terrorist organisations and suicide attacks. He was reportedly influenced by takfiri ideology, which developed into beliefs advocating violence and terrorism.
The suspect also claimed to have met people associated with a centre called "My Centre", managed by a Lebanese man known as "Abu Hamza" and supported by an association linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. His suspected radicalisation influenced his decision to pursue a career in aviation. The co-pilot had worked for three airlines before the incident: Oman Air, Royal Air Maroc, and flydubai.
His background checks did not flag any indicators of his alleged extremist views or plans to carry out an attack. On September 30, 2026, during his third flight to Tel Aviv, the suspect allegedly attacked the captain with an emergency axe, seized control of the aircraft, and aimed to attack Ben Gurion Airport's passenger terminal.
He was overpowered by the replacement flight crew, who diverted the plane to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
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