Australia launches probe into FlyDubai co-pilot’s past, and other Mideast news
Australian authorities have launched an investigation into the past of an Omani FlyDubai co-pilot following an attempted hijacking targeting an Israel-bound flight. Multiple security failures reportedly allowed the pilot into the cockpit. Ongoing investigations indicate the attacker intended to crash the plane into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport in a 9/11-style attack. Israeli officials state the co-pilot planned the attack prior to joining the airline. The flight carried 166 Israelis onboard, and reports indicate Israeli fighter jets were scrambled and prepared to shoot down the jet before standing down.
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- ✓ Australian authorities launched a probe into an Omani FlyDubai co-pilot's time in Australia following an attempted plane seizure.
- ✓ Two Israeli officials stated the co-pilot planned the FlyDubai attack before he was hired by the airline.
- ✓ Ongoing investigations indicate the attacker intended to crash the plane into Tel Aviv's airport.
- ✓ The FlyDubai attacker received flight training in New Zealand.
What changed
Australian authorities opened an official investigation into the Omani FlyDubai co-pilot's time in Australia.
Live updates
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Australia Probes FlyDubai Co-Pilot After Hijacking Plot
Australian authorities have launched an investigation into the past of an Omani FlyDubai co-pilot following an attempted hijacking targeting an Israel-bound flight. Multiple security failures reportedly allowed the pilot into the cockpit. Ongoing investigations indicate the attacker intended to crash the plane into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport in a 9/11-style attack. Israeli officials state the co-pilot planned the attack prior to joining the airline. The flight carried 166 Israelis onboard, and reports indicate Israeli fighter jets were scrambled and prepared to shoot down the jet before standing down.
Why it matters
The incident has heightened regional security concerns, drawing intelligence cooperation between Israel and the UAE, where Shin Bet agents have participated in interrogations. The attacker reportedly told interrogators the plot was revenge for Gaza. Meanwhile, international investigators are examining the suspect's background across multiple countries, including flight training in New Zealand and failed university studies in Australia.
What is confirmed
- Australian authorities launched a probe into an Omani FlyDubai co-pilot's time in Australia following an attempted plane seizure.
- Two Israeli officials stated the co-pilot planned the FlyDubai attack before he was hired by the airline.
- Ongoing investigations indicate the attacker intended to crash the plane into Tel Aviv's airport.
- The FlyDubai attacker received flight training in New Zealand.
- The co-pilot was a failed student at an Australian university.
Still unconfirmed
- Israel was ready to shoot down the FlyDubai flight and scrambled jets before calling them off.
- Israeli intelligence cannot rule out an Iranian link to the terrorist pilot.
- The pilot planned a 9/11-style attack.
What to watch next
- Findings from the Australian investigation into the co-pilot's background
- Official determinations on whether Iran had any involvement in the incident
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (41)
- AP News — UAE had shared details about FlyDubai flight with Israel, including pilots' names and nationalities
- WSJ — Multiple Security Failures Allowed FlyDubai Pilot Into Cockpit
- Bloomberg.com — FlyDubai Co-Pilot Was Failed Student at Australian University
- Reuters — Co-pilot planned flydubai attack before hired by airline, two Israeli officials say
- NPR — FlyDubai attacker intended to crash plane into Tel Aviv airport, ongoing investigation finds
- CNN — Alleged Flydubai hijacker likely wanted to target Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, sources say
- timesofisrael.com — Shin Bet agents participating in interrogation of flydubai terrorist in UAE, ToI learns
- AP News — Australia launches probe into FlyDubai co-pilot’s past, and other Mideast news
- ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — FlyDubai suspected attacker intended to crash plane into Tel Aviv airport, sources say
- The Jerusalem Post — Antisemitic conspiracy theories spread after attempted flydubai hijacking
- Yahoo — Co-pilot planned flydubai attack before joining airline, two Israeli officials say
- The Times of India — 'Revenge for Gaza': What flydubai Omani co-pilot told interrogators after failed attack
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