Flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Tel Aviv airport, reveals UAE investigation

New Delhi, Oct 10, 2026 : The United Arab Emirates’ investigation into the flydubai flight FZ1073 incident has uncovered a premeditated terrorist plot by the aircraft’s Omani co-pilot. UAE Attorney-General Counsellor Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi yesterday announced further details of the Public Prosecution’s investigation into the incident.

The Attorney-General said the 29-year-old suspect had planned to seize control of the aircraft and use it to carry out a suicide attack on the passenger terminal at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, with the aim of causing the maximum possible loss of life. Investigators found that the suspect had taken two previous flights to Tel Aviv to familiarise himself with the route and the airport. These trips were allegedly part of his preparations for the plot, which he began attempting to execute during his third flight to Tel Aviv on 30th September.

On the day of the incident, the suspect allegedly caught the captain by surprise inside the cockpit and attacked him with an emergency axe. The captain resisted the assault and attempted to call for help. A pilot assigned to the return flight was also on board and happened to be near the cockpit when the attack occurred. He noticed the cockpit door opening and closing repeatedly in an unusual manner, which aroused his suspicions. He approached the cockpit and attempted to enter using the access code. After gaining entry, he witnessed the suspect attacking the captain.

The pilot immediately intervened with the assistance of a cabin crew member and several passengers. Together, they rescued the injured captain and restrained the suspect. The captain and co-pilot assigned to the return flight subsequently regained control of the aircraft, diverted it and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.

The investigation found that the suspect’s alleged radicalisation began in 2017, while he was studying in Australia. He was reportedly influenced by extremist literature and online content promoting terrorist organisations and suicide attacks, which led him to adopt violent extremist beliefs. According to the findings, the suspect was also inspired by the September 11 attacks in the United States. In his confession, he reportedly linked his decision to pursue a career in aviation to his intention to carry out a similar attack.

The Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported that the suspect gave a detailed confession in the presence of his lawyer, with all legally prescribed safeguards in place. His confession reportedly outlined his motives and the various stages of planning and attempting to execute the alleged plot.

The UAE Public Prosecution has also recorded statements from the aircraft’s captain, the pilot assigned to the return flight, his co-pilot and other crew members. The investigation is ongoing, with the Public Prosecution continuing to examine the evidence, review recordings and technical reports, and investigate possible accomplices or other connections to the alleged plot.