Explainer-What Do We Know About Flydubai Flight 1073?
More than 170 passengers were aboard when the aircraft plunged twice and lost over 16,000 feet before passengers and off-duty pilots restrained the copilot.
- On September 30, a Flydubai flight carrying more than 170 passengers and crew from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted to Saudi Arabia after the copilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to crash the plane.
- Passengers restrained the copilot after he stabbed the captain, allowing two off-duty pilots to take control as the jet fell more than 16,000 feet in over 30 seconds before landing safely in Tabuk.
- Flydubai confirmed that "on-duty FlyDubai crew traveling on the flight" safely landed the jet, utilizing the industry practice known as "deadheading" to reach their next assignment.
- Israeli officials identified the copilot as an Omani national, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News he had undergone "Islamist radical indoctrination" and was likely acting alone.
- Israel is set to ramp up security checks on pilots flying into the country, as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia conduct a joint investigation into the incident.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Flydubai Midair Terror Bid, Co-Pilot Syrian Link & Tel Aviv Flights Suspended
A Flydubai flight en route to Tel Aviv faced a severe security incident following an attempted midair hijacking by an Omani co-pilot identified as Hamam Al Hamami. Investigations indicate the co-pilot intended to crash the aircraft in Israel. The suspect had previously been barred from operating aircraft in Oman due to his radical Islamist ideology and time spent in Syria. Questions have been raised regarding security lapses, as bilateral agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates prohibit nationals of countries lacking diplomatic ties with Israel from flying these routes. Digital activity linked to the suspect featured videos tracking Israeli aircraft and references to Al-Qaeda leadership. Authorities in Israel and the United Arab Emirates are examining whether the operative acted as a lone wolf or had ties to extremist networks. Following the incident, Flydubai flights to Israel were suspended, prompting rescue flights to repatriate stranded Israeli citizens from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
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