FlyDubai co-pilot planned 9/11-style attack on Ben Gurion terminal, UAE says
Investigators say the suspect pursued an aviation career to carry out the plot and used earlier flights to prepare
The Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a FlyDubai flight planned to crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport’s passenger terminal, UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said Friday.
Investigators said the 29-year-old was inspired by the September 11 attacks and chose an aviation career to pursue a similar operation. His intended target was the terminal, where he sought to maximize casualties.
According to prosecutors, his radicalization began while studying in Australia in 2017. He joined FlyDubai in January 2026 after working for Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc.
He allegedly used two earlier flights to Tel Aviv to study the route and airport before attempting the attack on September 30.
Prosecutors said he assaulted the captain with an emergency axe. A pilot traveling aboard intervened alongside a cabin crew member and passengers, restraining the suspect. Pilots assigned to the return flight regained control and landed in Saudi Arabia.
Authorities said recruitment checks had uncovered no signs of extremism. The suspect reportedly confessed with his lawyer present and claimed he acted alone. Investigators are still examining possible accomplices.