EXCLUSIVE: Saudi Arabia launches air safety probe into flydubai incident, sources say

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   Saudi Arabia launches air safety probe into flydubai incident

   Saudi Arabia has initiated an air safety investigation following a security incident involving a flydubai flight. The probe comes in the wake of a thwarted hijacking attempt and terror attack involving a flydubai aircraft, which sources indicate was intended to target Israel's Ben Gurion Airport. Israeli authorities were previously prepared to shoot down the jet during the emergency. President Isaac Herzog is set to award heroism medals to six Israelis and Captain Smit Machchhar for helping foil the attack.

   Why it matters

   The incident highlights vulnerabilities in airline pilot vetting and security protocols during a rapid pilot hiring spree by the fast-growing carrier. Investigations previously revealed that the co-pilot had planned an earlier hijacking attempt in July. The event drew international attention and praise from American lawmakers for the pilot's courage, alongside heightened scrutiny of aviation safety measures across the region.

   What is confirmed

   • Saudi Arabia has launched an air safety probe into the flydubai incident according to sources.
   • The alleged flydubai hijacker likely wanted to target Israel's Ben Gurion Airport.
   • Israel was prepared to shoot down the flydubai jet during the hijacking attempt.
   • President Isaac Herzog is scheduled to award heroism medals to six Israelis and Captain Smit Machchhar for thwarting the attack.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The flydubai co-pilot initially planned on hijacking a plane in the summer during July.

   What to watch next

   • Findings and safety recommendations from the Saudi air safety probe
   • Further announcements regarding international aviation vetting standards for airlines
   Sources used for this update (33)

   1. dictionary.cambridge.org — EXCLUSIVE | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
   2. www.dictionary.com — EXCLUSIVE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com
   3. The New York Times — The Mother’s Scream That Sent Passengers to the Rescue
   4. CBS News — Israel was prepared to shoot down FlyDubai plane after attack on captain, sources say
   5. CNN — Alleged Flydubai hijacker likely wanted to target Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, sources say
   6. The Jerusalem Post — Israel was prepared to shoot down flydubai jet during hijacking attempt - report
   7. NBC News — Flydubai pilot planned 9/11-style attack, source tells NBC News
   8. WSJ — FlyDubai Attacker Was Part of Pilot Hiring Spree at Fast-Growing Airline
   9. The Times of India — Amid turbulence in US-India ties, American lawmakers honor pilot's courage
   10. The Times of Israel — Israel was prepared to shoot down flydubai jet during attempted terror attack — report
   11. Reuters — EXCLUSIVE: Saudi Arabia launches air safety probe into flydubai incident, sources say
   12. WSJ — FlyDubai Co-Pilot Almost Carried Out His Attack in July
   confidence 90%