Flydubai co‑pilot plotted Tel Aviv airport crash, citing 9/11 as inspiration

Published on 09/10/2026 – 20:29 GMT+2

The co‑pilot who assaulted the captain of a Flydubai aircraft on 30 September had intended to crash the plane into Tel Aviv’s international airport, according to the United Arab Emirates’ chief prosecutor.

The Omani co‑pilot said he drew inspiration from the Al‑Qaeda attacks of 11 September 2001 on the United States and aimed to inflict the maximum possible loss of life, according to findings released by state media.

“The investigation revealed that he satisfied all professional and security criteria for employment, possessing a valid pilot’s licence, a certificate of good conduct and having completed the required checks,” the report stated.

Passengers recounted storming the cockpit and wrestling to regain control after the jet suddenly descended about 5,000 metres.

The Indian‑born captain suffered injuries when the co‑pilot struck him with an axe, yet he managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to subdue the assailant. The aircraft subsequently performed an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

Most of those on board were Israeli nationals.

On Thursday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog presented the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism to six Israelis who helped thwart the recent attempted Flydubai hijacking.

“The civilian bravery and resourcefulness shown by the heroes here cannot eclipse the duty to secure full answers. Everyone deserves clear and satisfactory explanations,” he remarked, as reported by The Jerusalem Post.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended the passengers and the pilot for their courage in foiling the attack and ordered a comprehensive review of all security aspects of foreign civil aviation to Israel.

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