United Arab Emirates authorities say an Omani co-pilot planned to seize a passenger plane and crash it into an airport in Israel. The alleged plot involved a Flydubai flight scheduled to travel from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, 2026.
UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said investigators believe the 29-year-old suspect planned to attack Ben Gurion Airport. The alleged target was the airport’s passenger terminal.
The investigation found that the co-pilot had developed extremist views while studying in Australia in 2017. Officials said online terrorist content and the September 11, 2001, attacks had influenced him. Investigators also said those attacks inspired his choice to work in aviation.
The claims were announced as the UAE continued its investigation into the incident. Prosecutors are examining flight records, technical reports and other evidence to establish what happened and whether anyone else was involved.
Before joining Flydubai in January 2026, the suspect had worked for Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc. According to investigators, he passed the professional and security checks required by the airline. Those checks did not identify signs of extremist activity, authorities said.
Investigators believe the suspect used two earlier flights to Tel Aviv to learn about the route and airport. They allege that he gathered information before attempting to carry out the plan on September 30.
During the flight, the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with an emergency axe inside the cockpit. Another pilot who was travelling on board noticed unusual activity near the cockpit door. The pilot then acted with a crew member and several passengers to stop the suspect.
The group managed to restrain the co-pilot and help the injured captain. Two other pilots later took control of the aircraft. They diverted the plane to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
A forensic examination later found that the captain had head injuries consistent with an attack involving an emergency axe. The findings supported the account of violence inside the cockpit, according to the investigation.
Prosecutors said the suspect confessed to planning and carrying out the attack alone. However, officials have not ended their inquiries into possible links with other people. Investigators are still checking whether anyone helped him or knew about the alleged plan.
The UAE Public Prosecution is reviewing more evidence as part of the case. Flight recordings and technical reports are among the materials being examined. Authorities have not provided a final account of every detail, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The incident first drew attention after reports of an altercation aboard a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight early on Wednesday. The aircraft reportedly sent an “unlawful interference” signal, along with a general emergency signal.
Such signals can alert air traffic control to a possible security threat or serious problem on board. The diversion to Saudi Arabia allowed other pilots to take control while the injured captain received assistance.
The case has raised questions about how the alleged plan developed and how the suspect passed earlier screening checks. Investigators are also working to establish whether the earlier flights were used to prepare for the alleged attack.
For now, the central claims come from UAE authorities and prosecutors. The suspect’s reported confession is part of the investigation, but further review of the evidence is still underway.
Officials have not announced a final conclusion on possible outside involvement. The prosecution’s review of recordings and technical findings is expected to help clarify the sequence of events and the full circumstances of the alleged plot.
