Flydubai co-pilot in attack previously deemed security risk

A co-pilot who allegedly attacked the pilot on a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv had been previously suspended by his former employer, Oman Air, over concerns of extremist views, according to media reports. Emirati authorities now suspect the incident might have been an act of terrorism.

The co-pilot reportedly attacked the main pilot with an emergency axe during a flight from Dubai to Israel, attempting to seize control of the aircraft. The General Prosecutor of the United Arab Emirates has characterised the assault as a planned terrorist act.

Investigations revealed that the co-pilot had been banned from flying with Oman Air after being deemed a security risk. ABC News reported that the decision followed the discovery of extremist materials in 2024 while he was a trainee co-pilot. Despite concerns, he remained employed in a non-flying, administrative capacity.

Saudi Arabian news outlet Al-Arabiya stated that Omani authorities identified the co-pilot's extremist beliefs and noted his presence in Syria at one point, heightening fears of potential radicalisation by extremist groups in the area.

The investigation into the Flydubai incident is ongoing, with authorities examining the motives behind the attack and probing any connections the suspect may have had with other individuals or organisations. Additionally, forensic analyses and digital data assessments continue to unfold.

The Flydubai attack marks a significant escalation in security concerns for airlines in the region. Emergency axes, like the one used in the incident, are standard safety equipment on flights, intended for use in accessing parts of the aircraft wrapped in paneling during emergencies.

Law enforcement and intelligence agencies across countries will determine whether the co-pilot acted alone or had support from others. As forensic and digital analyses progress, authorities hope to piece together the series of events leading to the in-flight attack.

The event underscores the importance of stringent background checks and monitoring within the aviation sector, aiming to mitigate the risks posed by individuals harboring extremist inclinations.

As of now, Flydubai has not commented on the status of the injured pilot or the specific measures in place to prevent future incidents of this kind. Their next steps in response to this breach and any procedural adaptations remain to be seen.

Source: tagesschau.de