UAE had shared details about FlyDubai flight with Israel, including pilots' names and nationalities, officials tell AP

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1. 1h ago

   UAE Shared Crew Details with Israel Prior to Flydubai Cockpit Attack

   Authorities in the United Arab Emirates shared passenger and crew lists, including pilots' names and nationalities, with Israel before a Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai flight experienced a cockpit altercation. The Israel-bound flight was subsequently diverted to Saudi Arabia following a brawl between the pilots. Early indications from officials suggest the Omani co-pilot, who faced prior removal from another airline over extremist views and left an Australian university without finishing his engineering course, acted alone in the hijacking attempt. Israeli sources now describe the attacker as a lone wolf extremist who planned the assault before his hire by Flydubai.

   Why it matters

   The incident highlights serious security gaps that allowed the pilot into the cockpit and raised urgent questions regarding aviation safety protocols and intelligence sharing between regional authorities. Passengers intervened during the crisis to prevent the aircraft from crashing, while officials investigate how the suspect secured employment despite his background.

   What is confirmed

   • Authorities in the United Arab Emirates shared a list of passengers and crew, including pilots' names and nationalities, with Israel before the Flydubai flight.
   • The Israel-bound flight diverted to Saudi Arabia following a brawl between the pilots.
   • Early indications suggest the co-pilot acted alone in the attack.
   • The co-pilot was previously a student at an Australian university where he left without finishing his engineering course.
   • Israel now describes the attacker as a lone wolf extremist.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The Flydubai terrorist reportedly intended to slam the plane into a Tel Aviv skyscraper.
   • The co-pilot planned the attack before he was hired by the airline.
   • The suspect was removed by another airline previously over concerns about his extremist views.

   What to watch next

   • Further official findings regarding why warnings about the crew member were handled the way they were
   • Results from investigations into aviation security failures that permitted the pilot access to the cockpit
   • Official statements on the exact motive and planning timeline of the suspect
   Sources used for this update (29)

   1. Reuters — Israel-bound flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after brawl between pilots, Israeli official says
   2. CNN — The Flydubai attack suspect was removed by another airline over concerns about his extremist views, sources say
   3. AP News — Who are the mystery men who stepped in to keep the FlyDubai plane from crashing?
   4. CNN — Co-pilot accused of trying to hijack Flydubai plane probably acted alone, Israeli sources say
   5. AP News — UAE had shared details about FlyDubai flight with Israel, including pilots' names and nationalities
   6. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — FlyDubai captain describes fight for his life after cockpit attack on Tel Aviv-bound flight
   7. The Times of Israel — Flydubai terrorist reportedly intended to slam plane into Tel Aviv skyscraper
   8. CNN — Alleged Flydubai hijacking attempt exposes worrying gaps in aviation security
   9. NBC News — Early indications suggest Flydubai co-pilot acted alone in attack, officials say
   10. WSJ — Multiple Security Failures Allowed FlyDubai Pilot Into Cockpit
   11. Yahoo — Israel now describes FlyDubai attacker as a "lone wolf" extremist
   12. CBS News — Hero passenger on FlyDubai flight: "I decided that we are going to survive"
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