International
oi-Madhuri Adnal
Israeli authorities are investigating an incident aboard a Flydubai flight travelling from the United Arab Emirates to Israel carrying 180 passengers as a suspected terrorist attack, according to a preliminary assessment. Of the total passengers, 100 were reportedly Israeli nationals.
The aircraft diverted to Saudi Arabia after a confrontation involving the pilots, while passengers and crew reportedly intervened to subdue the Omani co-pilot.
Israeli authorities are probing a Flydubai flight diversion to Saudi Arabia as a suspected terrorist incident, potentially involving the Omani co-pilot acting alone. Passengers and crew intervened to subdue the co-pilot, preventing escalation, while investigators examine motive and possible dual citizenship.
The incident initially triggered fears of a hijacking after the aircraft transmitted an emergency signal international transponder squawk code 7500 while approaching Israel. This code indicates a possible hijacking or unlawful interference. The preliminary assessment suggests the Omani co-pilot may have acted alone, although investigators are examining whether he intended to target a site inside Israel.
Investigators are also examining whether the co-pilot intended to target a site inside Israel. The possibility is being considered because the incident occurred while the aircraft was approaching Israel. However, no target has been confirmed at this stage.
Passengers and members of the crew reportedly intervened during the incident and subdued the co-pilot. Their intervention is believed to have prevented the situation from escalating into a mass casualty event.
The circumstances surrounding the co-pilot’s actions and his possible motive remain under investigation.
Israeli officials are also examining whether the Omani co-pilot held dual citizenship. The issue is being looked into because dual citizenship would have allowed him to board the flight to Israel.
The co-pilot had reportedly been working for the airline for less than a year.
Pilot, co-pilot hospitalised in Tabuk
Following the incident, both the pilot and co-pilot were hospitalised with injuries at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
The Flydubai flight had sent a distress call requesting an emergency landing at 8:44 am, after which the aircraft diverted to Tabuk.
The aircraft landed at the Saudi airport, where the two pilots were taken for medical treatment.
The preliminary assessment does not establish any evidence that Iran directed the incident.
