The United Arab Emirates has opened an investigation into whether a terror connection was behind the hijacking attempt on a flydubai flight bound for Israel, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the co-pilot involved had received “Islamist radical indoctrination.”
On Wednesday, passengers and the flight crew fought to regain control of the aircraft after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to steer the plane into the ground. The incident concluded with an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, after which the flight’s mostly Israeli passengers were returned to Israel to celebratory scenes.
Speaking to the television program Fox & Friends, Netanyahu confirmed that authorities are interrogating the co-pilot. “We know that he underwent Islamist radical indoctrination,” he said, noting that the suspect urged the crew to kill him, indicating suicidal intent.
Netanyahu later praised the wounded captain, Indian national Smit Machchhar, and the passengers for their “extraordinary bravery” in averting what he described as a catastrophe comparable to the September 11 attacks. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed Machchhar as a hero, while the Indian ambassador to the UAE visited the captain, who is reported to be in good health and recovering.
UAE Chief Prosecutor announced Thursday that a formal probe is underway, examining the possibility of “terrorist activity or intent.” Saudi Arabia’s interior ministry confirmed that the co-pilot, an Omani national, was transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE on Thursday morning under the supervision of an Emirati security team. Initial Saudi investigations indicate the suspect attacked the captain.
According to data from Flightradar24, the aircraft lost approximately 17,000 feet of altitude within a minute as it passed over Jordan. Passenger Miryam Shira Ohayon described the scene inside the cockpit, stating that the plane was effectively out of control before other individuals rushed in to neutralize the attacker.
Israeli officials have characterized the event as an attempted terrorist attack. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Defence Minister Israel Katz both labeled it a jihadist assault, though Netanyahu initially left the door open for mental health issues as a motive during an earlier interview with CBS News.
Netanyahu questioned the security vetting processes that allowed the Omani co-pilot to work on a flight to Israel, highlighting diplomatic constraints regarding pilots from countries without ties to Israel. He stated that Israel would participate in the UAE-led investigation and scrutinize how the individual secured his position.
Flydubai reported that all 174 people on board were safe, with 166 being Israeli citizens. The airline attributed the safe landing to another on-duty crew member who took control of the plane and suspended all flights to Israel pending the outcome of the inquiry.
In response to the crisis, Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced plans to award medals of heroism to five Israeli civilians who assisted in subduing the co-pilot. US President Donald Trump, after speaking with Netanyahu, remarked that the suspect appeared to be either a terrorist or someone with severe mental instability.
Mental health or ideology? Hard to tell sometimes. I just hope all those brave people get the recognition they deserve for saving hundreds of lives.
It is worrying that political figures are quick to label this terrorism while the full facts are still emerging. Let the evidence speak first.
How does an airline with such strict safety standards accidentally hire someone radicalized? The vetting process must be under intense scrutiny now.
The bravery of those passengers and the captain is truly inspiring. Let’s hope the investigation reveals exactly who was behind this.