FlyDubai Attacker Was Part of Pilot Hiring Spree at Fast-Growing Airline

Live updates

1. 3h ago

   FlyDubai Attacker Hired During Pilot Spree as New Details Emerge

   The co-pilot who attacked the captain on a FlyDubai flight to Israel was hired during a mass pilot hiring spree by the fast-growing airline. Passengers and crew rushed into the cockpit to regain control of the aircraft after the mid-air attack. The flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia following the struggle in the cockpit. The Israeli prime minister called the incident a most serious security incident, and investigators are reviewing the attacker's background and prior planning.

   Why it matters

   The incident has triggered wide international scrutiny regarding airline vetting and regional air security. Investigators are examining the suspect's training in New Zealand and his prior intentions regarding an attack. Meanwhile, diplomatic and health updates have centered on the injured pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar.

   What is confirmed

   • The Flydubai flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a struggle in the cockpit.
   • Passengers and crew rushed into the cockpit and regained control of the aircraft.
   • The attacker was part of a pilot hiring spree at the fast-growing airline.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The co-pilot planned the flydubai attack before being hired by the airline.
   • The attacker intended to crash the plane into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport in a 9/11-style attack.
   • Israel was prepared to shoot down the Flydubai plane after the attack on the captain.
   • Saudi Arabia launched an air safety probe into the flydubai incident.

   What to watch next

   • Results of the Saudi Arabia air safety probe into the incident
   • Further disclosures from the ongoing investigation into the co-pilot's background and training in New Zealand
   Sources used for this update (36)

   1. www.cnn.com — Co-pilot on Israel-bound flight stabbed captain and tried to hijack plane, sources say
   2. www.cnn.com — What happened inside the Flydubai flight to Israel? What we ...
   3. Reuters — Co-pilot planned flydubai attack before hired by airline, two Israeli officials say
   4. NPR — FlyDubai attacker intended to crash plane into Tel Aviv airport, ongoing investigation finds
   5. CBS News — Israel was prepared to shoot down FlyDubai plane after attack on captain, sources say
   6. CNN — Alleged Flydubai hijacker likely wanted to target Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, sources say
   7. NBC News — Flydubai pilot planned 9/11-style attack, source tells NBC News
   8. i24NEWS — Israeli was ready to shoot down Flydubai flight following attempted hijacking, attack on pilot – report | LIVE BLOG
   9. WSJ — FlyDubai Attacker Was Part of Pilot Hiring Spree at Fast-Growing Airline
   10. en.wikipedia.org — Flydubai - Wikipedia
   11. The Guardian — Flydubai attack investigation widens as alleged hijacker’s training in New Zealand scrutinised
   12. The Times of India — Amid turbulence in US-India ties, American lawmakers honor pilot's courage
   confidence 90%