Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the co-pilot who attempted to crash a flight to Tel Aviv had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination.
Key facts
- •The flydubai flight FZ1073 was carrying more than 170 people at the time of the incident.
- •The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia after the cockpit struggle.
- •Israeli officials identified the co-pilot as a national of Oman.
- •Flightradar24 reported the plane dropped over 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds.
- •Netanyahu stated that investigations into potential connections to Iran are still in the early stages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that the co-pilot who attempted to hijack and crash a flydubai flight to Israel had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination. The incident occurred on Wednesday during flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia after passengers subdued the attacker. Netanyahu described the co-pilot as suicidal, though he noted it is too early to confirm potential connections to Iran or other external entities.
By the numbers
Incident Details and Response
During the flight, the co-pilot reportedly stabbed the captain. The wounded captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene and subdue the attacker. A reserve crew on board subsequently landed the aircraft at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia. According to flight-tracking data from Flightradar24, the plane plunged more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds while flying over Saudi Arabia.
Investigation and Security Measures
Israeli officials have identified the co-pilot as an Omani national. While two Israeli security officials stated that the initial assessment suggests the individual acted alone, the investigation remains ongoing. Israel's intelligence services, Mossad and Shin Bet, are involved in the inquiry. In response to the event, the prime minister's office announced that Israel intends to increase security checks for pilots flying into the country.
Timeline
- WednesdayThe co-pilot attempted to hijack flight FZ1073, leading to a struggle and emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
- ThursdayPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in an interview that the co-pilot had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination.
- September 30, 2026Passengers from the flight arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Korea Times, Jerusalem Post.
