FlyDubai co-pilot who nearly crashed plane was barred from flying by Oman over extremism concerns
An Omani national serving as a FlyDubai co-pilot attempted to seize control of a Tel Aviv-bound flight with 182 people on board by attacking the captain with a crash axe. UAE authorities confirmed the use of the axe, while officials stated the co-pilot had previously been barred from flying for Oman's national airline due to extremist views. The incident has triggered a review of aviation security protocols and prompted Israel to organize repatriation flights for passengers stranded in the UAE.
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- ✓ A FlyDubai co-pilot used a crash axe to attack the captain of a flight with 182 people on board.
- ✓ The co-pilot is an Omani national who was barred from flying on his home country's airline because of concerns regarding extremist views.
- ✓ Israel is starting repatriation flights for passengers stranded in the UAE following the attack.
What changed
Reports now reveal the co-pilot was previously flagged as a security risk and barred from flying in Oman due to extremism.
Live updates
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Oman had barred FlyDubai co-pilot over extremism before axe attack
An Omani national serving as a FlyDubai co-pilot attempted to seize control of a Tel Aviv-bound flight with 182 people on board by attacking the captain with a crash axe. UAE authorities confirmed the use of the axe, while officials stated the co-pilot had previously been barred from flying for Oman's national airline due to extremist views. The incident has triggered a review of aviation security protocols and prompted Israel to organize repatriation flights for passengers stranded in the UAE.
Why it matters
The attack targeted a flight bound for Israel, raising regional security concerns. Donald Trump has warned Iran of potential strikes if Tehran is found to be involved in the incident.
What is confirmed
- A FlyDubai co-pilot used a crash axe to attack the captain of a flight with 182 people on board.
- The co-pilot is an Omani national who was barred from flying on his home country's airline because of concerns regarding extremist views.
- Israel is starting repatriation flights for passengers stranded in the UAE following the attack.
Still unconfirmed
- The co-pilot stabbed the captain during the attempt to crash the plane.
- Donald Trump warned Iran of fresh strikes if Tehran was involved in the incident.
What to watch next
- Findings from the aviation security protocol review regarding how the co-pilot was cleared to fly
- Official confirmation or denial of Iranian involvement in the attack
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (10)
- apnews.com — Israel to start repatriation flights for passengers stranded in UAE following FlyDubai attack
- Fox News — Trump warns Iran of fresh strikes if Tehran involved in FlyDubai plane incident
- The New York Times — The Mother’s Scream That Sent Passengers to the Rescue
- theguardian.com — Flydubai co-pilot used crash axe to attack captain, says UAE
- WSJ — FlyDubai Co-Pilot Used Crash Ax in Attack, Says U.A.E.
- www.aljazeera.com — How was Flydubai co-pilot cleared despite being deemed a security risk?
- travelindustrytoday.com — FLYDUBAI FALLOUT: Axe-wielding pilot had been barred for extremism
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — FlyDubai co-pilot who nearly crashed plane was barred from ...
- www.newindianexpress.com — FlyDubai Co-Pilot Barred Over Extremism Nearly Crashes Plane ...
- www.yahoo.com — Oman barred FlyDubai co-pilot from flying over extremism ...
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