Co-pilot accused in FlyDubai attack was previously flagged as a security risk, officials say

The co-pilot accused of trying to crash a FlyDubai plane bound for Israel had previously been flagged as a security risk, ABC News reported.

Senior intelligence and law enforcement officials said the Omani national was suspended by Oman Air in 2024, while a co-pilot trainee, after he was found with extremist materials. He was allowed to keep working for the airline in an administrative role, sources said.

Investigators are trying to determine how he later was allowed to fly for FlyDubai and ended up as first officer on a plane headed for Israel.

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Wednesday’s flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, carrying 182 people, was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, for an emergency landing. Capt. Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed by the co-pilot, still managed to open the cockpit door so passengers could restrain the attacker, witnesses and Israeli authorities said.

“I was fighting for my life,” Mr. Machchhar told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi from an Abu Dhabi hospital.

The suspect was moved Thursday from Saudi Arabia to the United Arab Emirates. He is “cooperating” and has indicated he meant to crash the plane in Israel, sources said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the suspect had undergone “Islamist radicalization.”

“We are investigating whether he was sent, and whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price,” Mr. Netanyahu said.

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FlyDubai has temporarily suspended Tel Aviv operations until further notice.

Read more:

• Suspect in FlyDubai incident was previously identified as security risk: Officials

• Wounded FlyDubai captain recounts fight to save passengers, and other Mideast developments

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