The co-pilot accused of attacking a FlyDubai captain and attempting to crash an Israel-bound flight was previously flagged as a security risk and suspended from flying by Oman Air, senior intelligence and law enforcement officials reported. The suspect, an Omani national, was found to have possessed extremist materials while working as a co-pilot trainee for Oman Air in 2024. Although removed from flight duties, sources state he was permitted to retain an administrative role within the airline. Investigators are currently examining how he was later authorized to fly for FlyDubai and placed in the cockpit of a flight headed to Israel. Following the incident, the suspect was transferred from Saudi Arabia to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday. Sources close to the investigation indicate he is cooperating with authorities and admitted his intention was to crash the aircraft in Israel. Representatives for FlyDubai, Oman Air, and the Omani Embassy did not immediately respond to requests for comment. FlyDubai’s chief executive issued a statement confirming that operations to Tel Aviv have been temporarily suspended at the request of authorities, while a full official investigation is underway. A major disaster was avoided when the flight captain, Smit Machchhar, fought back against the attacker. Passengers then rushed forward to subdue and restrain the individual, who had forced the Boeing 737 MAX 8 into a rapid dive. Passenger Yaniv Hayoun recounted that he pulled back on the aircraft controls to help steady the plane until a third pilot, traveling as a passenger, stepped in to take control. The flight ultimately landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Another passenger, Dr. Shota Musaev, stated that the restrained and bloodied suspect told him he was from Oman and repeatedly begged to be killed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Friday that the unnamed suspect had undergone Islamist radicalization and intended to crash the plane with all passengers on board. Netanyahu praised the heroic actions of Hayoun and the other passengers for preventing a massive tragedy and stated that authorities are investigating whether the suspect acted on behalf of others.
Source: abcnews.com
