flydubai incident probe: UAE reveals 10 shocking findings
Investigation details alleged airport attack plan, cockpit assault and security checks.
The UAE Public Prosecution has outlined key findings in its investigation into the September 30, 2026, incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073, which was scheduled to fly from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
UAE Attorney-General Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said investigators uncovered an alleged premeditated terrorist plot by the aircraft’s 29-year-old Omani co-pilot to seize control of the plane and carry out a suicide attack targeting Ben Gurion Airport’s passenger terminal.
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10 key findings from the investigation
Alleged plan to attack airport: The suspect allegedly intended to seize control of the aircraft and crash it into Ben Gurion Airport’s passenger terminal, causing the greatest possible loss of life.
Two earlier flights to Tel Aviv: Investigators said the suspect had taken two previous flights to Tel Aviv to familiarise himself with the route and airport before the alleged plot on September 30.
Captain attacked in cockpit: The suspect allegedly assaulted the captain with an emergency axe. The captain resisted and attempted to call for help.
Crew and passengers intervened: A pilot travelling on board, a cabin crew member and several passengers restrained the suspect and helped the injured captain.
Aircraft diverted to Saudi Arabia: The replacement flight crew regained control and diverted the aircraft, which landed safely at Tabuk Airport.
Extremist influences traced to Australia: Authorities traced the suspect’s reported exposure to extremist ideology to 2017, when he was studying in Australia. Investigators said he had accessed extremist literature and online content glorifying terrorist organisations and suicide attacks.
September 11 attacks cited as inspiration: According to his confession, the suspect was inspired by the September 11, 2001, attacks and developed the idea of carrying out a similar operation using an aircraft. He reportedly said he prepared psychologically and physically by consuming extremist material and training in boxing.
Previous airline employment: The suspect worked for Oman Air from 2020 to 2024, joined Royal Air Maroc in early 2025 and moved to flydubai in January 2026.
Recruitment checks revealed no warning signs: The Attorney-General said the suspect met the required professional and security criteria, including holding a pilot’s licence and providing a certificate of good conduct. The checks did not identify indications of his alleged extremist views or plans.
Medical evidence and alleged confession: A medical report found that the captain had recent head injuries consistent with an assault involving an implement matching the characteristics of an emergency axe. The suspect allegedly confessed in the presence of his lawyer and claimed he acted alone.
Investigation remains ongoing
The Public Prosecution is continuing to examine evidence, review recordings and technical reports, and investigate possible accomplices or other connections. Authorities said further findings would be announced as appropriate.
