Flydubai Co-pilot Had Security Concerns at Previous Airline
The co-pilot of the Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv was suspended from Oman Air over security risks. Investigators are now examining how he was subsequently allowed to fly for Flydubai.
Preliminary Investigation into Security Deficiencies
The co-pilot who on Wednesday allegedly attacked the pilot on the Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was previously regarded as a security risk, according to reports by the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. According to US media reports citing senior intelligence and law enforcement officials, the Omani had been suspended by his former employer Oman Air.
Extremist material was reportedly found on the man in 2024 when he was working there as a co-pilot trainee. Despite this classification as a security risk, he was allowed to continue working in an administrative function. Furthermore, Oman Air imposed a flight ban on him on suspicion of radical ideological views.
Investigators are currently examining how the man was subsequently allowed to work for Flydubai. The arrested co-pilot, who has since been brought to the Emirates, is cooperating with authorities according to the reports. According to sources from the investigating authorities, he indicated that he had intended to crash the Flydubai aircraft over Israel.
Cockpit Attack
The pilot sustained severe injuries in the attack. Despite this, he managed to open the cockpit door. Several passengers rushed in and overpowered the attacker. Both the Israeli government and a senior representative of the United Arab Emirates describe it as a terrorist attack.
Source: Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung