Flydubai pilot planned 9/11-style attack, source tells NBC News
A Flydubai co-pilot attempted to crash a passenger flight into Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, according to UAE and Middle Eastern officials. During the flight from Dubai, the attacker used a cockpit crash axe to assault the captain and seize control of the aircraft, triggering an 18,000 foot dive. Passengers and crew intervened, rushing the cockpit to subdue the attacker and regain control of the plane. U.S. and Israeli officials are investigating the motive and the security failures that allowed the pilot to initiate the attack.
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- ✓ A Flydubai pilot attacked the flight captain with a crash axe in an attempt to take control of the aircraft.
- ✓ Passengers and crew entered the cockpit to regain control of the plane.
- ✓ The aircraft experienced an 18,000 foot dive during the incident.
- ✓ The flight was traveling from Dubai to Israel.
What changed
Middle Eastern officials informed NBC News that the attacker specifically planned a 9/11-style attack.
Live updates
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Flydubai Pilot Planned 9/11-Style Attack on Tel Aviv Airport
A Flydubai co-pilot attempted to crash a passenger flight into Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, according to UAE and Middle Eastern officials. During the flight from Dubai, the attacker used a cockpit crash axe to assault the captain and seize control of the aircraft, triggering an 18,000 foot dive. Passengers and crew intervened, rushing the cockpit to subdue the attacker and regain control of the plane. U.S. and Israeli officials are investigating the motive and the security failures that allowed the pilot to initiate the attack.
Why it matters
Flydubai is an Emirati government-owned airline based in Dubai. This incident represents a significant security breach in cockpit protocols. The targeted location, Ben Gurion Airport, is Israel's primary international gateway.
What is confirmed
- A Flydubai pilot attacked the flight captain with a crash axe in an attempt to take control of the aircraft.
- Passengers and crew entered the cockpit to regain control of the plane.
- The aircraft experienced an 18,000 foot dive during the incident.
- The flight was traveling from Dubai to Israel.
Still unconfirmed
- Multiple security failures allowed the pilot to enter the cockpit.
What to watch next
- Formal charges and legal proceedings against the co-pilot.
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (37)
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- www.nbcnews.com — Flydubai pilot attacked captain with cockpit’s crash axe in attempted terrorist attack, UAE official says
- WSJ — Multiple Security Failures Allowed FlyDubai Pilot Into Cockpit
- CBS News — Hero passenger on FlyDubai flight: "I decided that we are going to survive"
- CNN — Alleged Flydubai hijacker likely wanted to target Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, sources say
- abcnews.com — FlyDubai suspected attacker intended to crash plane into Tel Aviv airport, sources say
- elderofziyon.blogspot.com — 10/05 Links Pt2: ‘An entire nation bows its head and mourns’: Israel marks memorial day for Oct. 7; I....
- NBC News — Flydubai pilot planned 9/11-style attack, source tells NBC News
- www.nbcnews.com — Flydubai pilot planned 9/11-style attack, source tells NBC News
- The Jerusalem Post — ‘No way this is a malfunction’: Israeli officer reveals tense moments after flydubai hijack signal
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