UAE’s chief prosecutor announced on Friday that the Omani‑born co‑pilot of a [flydubai](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flydubai) flight deliberately tried to steer the aircraft into Tel Aviv’s international airport, a plot inspired by [Al‑Qaeda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Qaeda) and intended to cause mass casualties, on a scheduled service that had departed from Dubai earlier that week.
**Key facts**
- The incident occurred last week on a flight bound for Tel Aviv, carrying mostly Israeli passengers.
- During the journey the co‑pilot used an emergency axe to strike the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, who fought back and attempted to summon help.
- A second pilot on the return leg observed the cockpit door moving unusually, entered the cockpit with a cabin crew member and several passengers, and together they rescued the injured captain and restrained the attacker.
- The aircraft was subsequently diverted and made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where all passengers were later repatriated on a second flydubai service.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the bravery of the passengers and the captain, stating they had averted a disaster, and ordered a thorough review of all security aspects of foreign civil aviation to Israel.
What motivated the co‑pilot?
According to the prosecutor’s findings, the suspect became radicalised while studying in Australia, consuming extremist literature and following online content that glorified terrorist organisations and suicide attacks. He allegedly drew direct inspiration from the September 11, 2001 attacks and planned the Tel Aviv strike over two previous flights to the city.
How did the crew respond?
Captain Machchhar, after being assaulted, attempted to radio for assistance. The return‑flight captain and his co‑pilot, noticing the irregular cockpit‑door activity, entered the cockpit with help from cabin crew and passengers. Their combined effort subdued the attacker and secured the cockpit, allowing the aircraft to be safely landed.
What actions did Israel take after the event?
Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly commended the passengers and crew for their courage, describing their actions as “extraordinary”. He subsequently directed Israeli authorities to conduct a comprehensive review of security protocols governing foreign civil aviation flights into Israel, aiming to prevent similar threats in the future.
The co‑pilot, identified in some reports as Hamam al‑Hammami, had previously worked for Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc and was reportedly barred from flying in Oman over concerns about extremist sympathies. He is now in custody in the United Arab Emirates, where investigators continue to examine how his extremist views evaded standard security vetting procedures.