UAE says Flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Israeli Airport
UAE Attorney General
Hamad Saif al-Shamsi said investigators believe the alleged plot was inspired
by the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States, according to state
news agency WAM.
Investigators found that
the 29-year-old suspect had taken two previous flights to Tel Aviv to study the
route and familiarize himself with the airport. He had previously worked for
several airlines, including Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc, before joining
Flydubai in January.
Authorities said the
suspect had met the airline’s professional and security requirements during
recruitment, with no warning signs of extremist beliefs identified at the time.
According to prosecutors,
the suspect acted alone and confessed to planning the attack. Investigators
also said he had prepared by consuming extremist material and taking boxing lessons.
Flight FZ1073 departed
Dubai for Tel Aviv with 174 people aboard. During the flight, the co-pilot
allegedly stabbed Indian captain Smit Machchhar, triggering a struggle in the
cockpit and a sharp loss of altitude.
Passengers and crew
reportedly helped subdue the suspect, while two reserve pilots took control of
the aircraft. The plane landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where both pilots
received medical treatment.
Authorities have not
officially identified the suspect. The investigation has not indicated
wrongdoing by Flydubai.
