Israeli investigation considers 9/11-style terror plot by Flydubai pilot

Israeli law enforcement agencies are actively investigating the hypothesis that the incident aboard the Flydubai aircraft was a terrorist attack similar to the events of 9/11. According to local Channel 12, the investigation is considering the scenario in which the pilot attempted to steer the aircraft towards a specific target, turning it into a weapon of mass destruction, rather than merely seeking to kill himself and the passengers.

Official statements and motives

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir publicly stated that the pilot's intention was to "kill 180 Israelis on board" (убити 180 ізраїльтян на борту). However, as noted by Reuters, the exact motives behind the act remain unclear. Flydubai representatives have called on the public to refrain from premature conclusions until the investigation is completed. At present, Israeli officials cannot categorically confirm that this was a terrorist attack.

Circumstances of the attack and landing in Saudi Arabia

The incident occurred during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to Israeli officials, one member of the crew attacked his fellow pilot using a knife. The aircraft then descended sharply. Passengers and another crew member managed to enter the cockpit and subdue the attacker. The aircraft made an emergency landing in the city of Tabuk (Saudi Arabia). Both pilots were injured and hospitalised, but all passengers survived.

Suspect's profile and citizenship issues

The suspect in the attempted terror attack is identified as an Omani citizen who had been working for Flydubai for less than a year. Israeli media report that the investigation is checking whether the man held dual citizenship. This detail is critically important, as Israel prohibits pilots from countries with which Tel Aviv has no diplomatic relations from operating flights to and from the country. Oman is among such countries.