UAE flights to Israel: co-pilot accused of plotting crash on Dubai–Tel Aviv route

United Arab Emirates public prosecutors say an Omani co-pilot intended to crash a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv into Israel's Ben Gurion Airport in a suicide attack. The allegation was set out in a statement released on 9 October 2026 by Attorney General Hamad Saif al Shamsi and published by state media. The statement did not appear to implicate Flydubai in any wrongdoing.

Key facts

• 30 September 2026: the co-pilot attacked the captain of a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight with an ax
• Prosecutors say the plan was to crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport
• The captain opened the cockpit door; passengers and crew overpowered the attacker
• The flight made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia
• The suspect joined Flydubai in January 2026 after working for other airlines

What does the investigation say?

According to the statement, UAE public prosecutors believe the plan was inspired by the attacks on the United States on 11 September 2001 and was aimed at "causing the greatest possible loss of life." Investigators found that the suspect had used two previous flights to Tel Aviv to familiarise himself with the route and the airport.

The inquiry also examined his employment history and hiring. He had worked for several airlines in different countries, including Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc, before joining Flydubai in January 2026, and prosecutors found he met the professional and security requirements for the job — a pilot's licence, a certificate of good conduct and the necessary background checks.

"None of the procedures revealed any indications of his extremist views or his intention to carry out a terrorist plot," the statement said.

What happened on board?

On 30 September, the Indian captain of the Flydubai service from Dubai to Tel Aviv was injured when the co-pilot attacked him with an ax. The captain opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to overpower the attacker and forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

Passengers described rushing the cockpit and fighting for control after the plane suddenly descended by around 5,000 metres (17,000 feet). Most of those on board were Israeli, and they have been hailed as heroes in Israel.

What this means for travellers

The published findings relate to a single incident on the Dubai–Tel Aviv route. The statement does not announce any change to entry rules, visa requirements, airport procedures or flight schedules, and no new security measures for passengers have been announced in connection with the case.

The source does not state whether charges have been filed or when the case will proceed. Further details from the investigation may follow.