Flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Tel Aviv airport, reveals UAE investigation
By R Anil Kumar
Abu Dhabi/Bengaluru, Oct 9, 2026. The UAE’s investigations into the flydubai flight FZ1073 incident have revealed a premeditated terrorist plot by the aircraft’s Omani co-pilot. Counsellor Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, Attorney-General of the UAE, on Friday, 9 October,announced further details of the Public Prosecution’s investigation into the incident.
The Attorney-General said that the 29-year-old suspect was carrying out a plan to seize control of the aircraft and use it to launch a suicide attack on the passenger terminal at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The plot aimed to cause the greatest possible loss of life. Investigations found that the suspect had taken two previous flights to Tel Aviv to familiarise himself with the route and the airport. These trips were part of his preparations for the alleged terrorist plot. He began carrying it out during his third flight to Tel Aviv on 30 September.
On the day of the incident, the suspect allegedly took 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 tried to enter using the access code. After gaining entry, he witnessed the suspect attacking the captain. The pilot assigned to the return flight immediately intervened with the help of a cabin crew member and several passengers. Together, they rescued the injured captain and restrained the suspect. Meanwhile, the captain and co-pilot assigned to the return flight regained control of the aircraft. They diverted its route and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
The findings indicate that the suspect’s shift towards extremism began in 2017, while he was studying in Australia. He was influenced by extremist literature and online content promoting terrorist groups and suicide attacks, leading him to adopt violent and extremist ideas. He was also inspired by the 9/11 attacks and as per his confession, his decision to pursue a career in aviation was linked to the idea of carrying out a similar attack.
The suspect admitted that, while studying in Melbourne, he regularly attended a mosque affiliated with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT). Through these visits, he became acquainted with individuals associated with a centre known as “My Centre”. He said the centre was managed by a Lebanese man known as “Abu Hamza”. The centre allegedly received support from an association linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. The suspect also said he had prepared himself psychologically and physically for the plot. He did so by increasing his exposure to material promoting terrorism and training in boxing under a private coach.
The suspect had worked for several airlines during his career, the Attorney-General informed. He was employed by Oman Air from 2020 to 2024. He joined Royal Air Maroc in early 2025 and worked there for several months before moving to flydubai in January 2026.
The investigation also examined the procedures followed during his recruitment by flydubai. Findings showed that he had met the professional and security requirements for employment. These included holding a pilot’s licence, providing a certificate of good conduct and completing the required checks. However, none of these procedures revealed indications of his extremist views or his intention to carry out a terrorist plot.
Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported that the suspect provided a detailed confession in the presence of his lawyer, with all legally prescribed safeguards ensured. His confession outlined his motives and the stages of planning and execution. He admitted that he had acted alone, without the involvement of others. However, investigations are continuing to verify this claim.
The UAE Public Prosecution also heard statements from the aircraft’s captain, the pilot assigned to the return flight, his co-pilot and members of the crew. A forensic medical report established that the captain’s injuries were concentrated on the head, a vital and potentially fatal area. The injuries were recent and consistent with the timing of the incident. The report also found that they had been caused by an implement whose characteristics were consistent with an emergency axe. These findings matched statements made by the suspect and the captain, as well as witness testimony.
The UAE Public Prosecution continues to examine the evidence and investigate possible accomplices or other connections. It is also completing its review of recordings and technical reports. Further findings will be announced as appropriate, in accordance with the requirements of the ongoing investigation, WAM reported.
(With Inputs from UAE State Media-WAM News)
