Flydubai co‑pilot accused of terrorist attack on Tel Aviv flight

Incident on board

The co‑pilot, identified as an Omani citizen, attacked the captain with a sharp object described as a crash axe and attempted to seize control of the cockpit. The flight was a Flydubai service to Tel Aviv on 30 September.

A Boeing 737 pilot noted that the cockpit contains a standard metal knife that can be used in emergencies.

Legal response

UAE federal prosecutor Hamad Szaif al‑Samszi said on 3 October that the second pilot tried to carry out a terrorist act during the flight. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine the circumstances and possible motives.

The co‑pilot was arrested by UAE authorities.

International comments

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co‑pilot may have brought the object through security at Dubai airport or used a sharp object on the plane.