Flydubai co-pilot arrested for attempted crash into Tel Aviv airport
UAE prosecutors say an Omani co-pilot on a flydubai flight planned to crash the aircraft into Tel Aviv International Airport, inspired by the 9/11 attacks; the plot was foiled after passengers subdued him and the plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
UAE prosecutors have disclosed that an Omani co-pilot on a flydubai flight on 30 September intended to deliberately crash the aircraft into Tel Aviv International Airport, citing inspiration from the September 2001 attacks on the United States. The investigation found that the co-pilot sought "the greatest possible loss of life," according to state media.
The co-pilot, who had met the airline's professional and security requirements, attacked the Indian captain with an axe after the aircraft suddenly descended about 5,000 metres. Passengers and crew intervened, subduing the attacker and allowing the captain to open the cockpit door. The plane subsequently made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Most of the passengers were Israeli. Israeli President Isaac Herzog later presented a Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism to six Israelis who helped prevent the hijacking.
"The civilian bravery and resourcefulness demonstrated by the heroes present here cannot overshadow the obligation to obtain full answers. Everyone, all of us, deserves clear and satisfactory answers," Herzog said, as reported by a local newspaper.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the passengers and the pilot for their actions and announced a comprehensive review of security measures for foreign civil aviation to Israel.