FlyDubai copilot used crash ax to attempt ‘terrorist act,’ UAE says

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   UAE Labels FlyDubai Co-Pilot's Ax Attack a Terrorist Act

   The United Arab Emirates government has classified an attack by a FlyDubai co-pilot as an attempted terrorist act. During a Wednesday morning flight, the Omani national used an emergency crash ax to stab the captain in the cockpit. Reports indicate the co-pilot intended to crash the aircraft into a building or the airport in Tel Aviv. A South African pilot traveling off-duty helped prevent the crash. Investigators believe the assailant acted as a lone wolf, though questions remain regarding how he passed security clearances despite a history of extremism.

   Why it matters

   This incident highlights potential security lapses in aviation screening for crew members. The attacker's alleged extremist ties and previous employment termination for similar views suggest a failure in vetting processes. The Israeli Tax Authority had the passenger and crew manifests before the flight departed.

   What is confirmed

   • The UAE government described the co-pilot's use of a crash ax as an attempted terrorist act.
   • An Omani co-pilot used an emergency ax to attack a fellow pilot in the cockpit.
   • The attacker had previously been flagged for extremist views or materials.
   • The co-pilot lost a previous job due to engagement with extremism.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The co-pilot specifically planned to crash the plane into a building or the Tel Aviv airport.

   What to watch next

   • Formal charges and legal proceedings against the Omani national.
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. The New York Times — The Mother’s Scream That Sent Passengers to the Rescue
   2. WSJ — FlyDubai Co-Pilot Used Crash Ax in Attack, Says U.A.E.
   3. CNBC — FlyDubai plane attack by co-pilot was an attempted 'terrorist' act, UAE says
   4. The Washington Post — FlyDubai copilot used crash ax to attempt ‘terrorist act,’ UAE says
   5. The New York Times — Omani Co-Pilot on FlyDubai Flight Is Said to Have Extremist Views
   6. People.com — Flydubai Co-Pilot Who Used Emergency Crash Ax to Stab Fellow Pilot in ‘Terrorist’ Cockpit Attack Identified
   7. jpost.com — Israeli Tax Authority had names of flydubai crew, passengers before departure
   8. www.ynetnews.com — Flydubai pilot who tried to crash plane in Israel identified, had ‘extremist materials’
   9. bostonglobe.com — Ax-wielding FlyDubai co-pilot had been flagged over extremism concerns
   10. AP News — Who are the mystery men who stepped in to keep the FlyDubai plane from crashing?
   11. Bloomberg.com — FlyDubai Copilot Lost Earlier Job for Engaging With Extremism
   12. san.com — FlyDubai co-pilot was reportedly flagged before attack. So how was he cleared to fly?
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