UAE prosecutor says FlyDubai co-pilot wanted to target Ben Gurion Airport

• The UAE prosecutor says a Flydubai co-pilot attacked the captain with an emergency axe in an alleged attempt to seize an aircraft.
• The crew and passengers helped subdue the suspect, and the plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia, according to authorities.
• Investigators say signs of the suspect’s radicalization first emerged in 2017 while he was studying in Australia.

The UAE's public prosecutor has disclosed Friday new details about an alleged terrorist plot involving the Flydubai co-pilot suspected of planning to seize control of an aircraft and carry out an attack on Ben Gurion airport during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Sep. 30, 2026.

According to a statement from the public prosecution, investigations found that the suspect, an Omani national, attacked the captain with an emergency axe in an attempt to carry out what authorities said was a premeditated plan. The suspect's repeated movements raised suspicions among the captain of another aircraft returning to Dubai, helping expose the threat and prompt intervention.

Crew and passengers help subdue suspect

The statement said the captain of the returning aircraft, assisted by a cabin crew member and several passengers, rescued the injured pilot and subdued the suspect, thwarting the alleged attempt to seize the aircraft.

After regaining control of the situation, the returning aircraft's captain and co-pilot took control of the plane and diverted it to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. The incident ended with the suspected plot thwarted.

Authorities cite signs of radicalization dating to 2017

Regarding the suspect's background, the public prosecution said investigations indicated that signs of ideological radicalization and extremism first emerged in 2017, while he was studying in Australia.

He was further inspired by the Sep. 11 attacks on the United States, per the prosecutor's statement.

Investigators said the suspect had worked for several airlines in different countries before joining Flydubai in January 2026.

The prosecution added that his recruitment and employment procedures had met all applicable professional and security requirements.

The details released by the authorities underscore the seriousness of the incident and the role of the flight crew and passengers in intervening to prevent the suspected plot from being carried out and ensuring the aircraft landed safely.

Read more: UAE prosecution says Flydubai co-pilot tried to seize aircraft, attempted "terrorist act"