A 29-year-old Omani national who joined flydubai in January 2026 has been identified as the suspect in an alleged attempt to seize control of a Dubai to Tel Aviv flight and crash it into Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, according to details released during the UAE Public Prosecution’s investigation.
The incident occurred on September 30 aboard flight FZ1073, on which the man was serving as co-pilot. Investigators have described the alleged plot as a “suicide attack” intended to cause the greatest possible loss of life. The suspect has not been publicly named by UAE authorities.
According to the investigation, the man began moving towards extremist ideology in 2017 while studying in Australia. He was allegedly influenced by extremist literature and online material glorifying terrorist organisations and suicide attacks.
Investigators said he developed an interest in violent ideology and drew inspiration from the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States. According to his confession, he wanted to carry out a similar operation and linked that ambition to his decision to pursue a career in aviation.
Previous airline employment and alleged preparations
The suspect had worked for several airlines before joining flydubai. His employment history included Oman Air from 2020 to 2024, Royal Air Maroc for several months in early 2025, and flydubai from January 2026.
During his studies in Melbourne, he reportedly attended a mosque affiliated with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), where he became acquainted with people associated with a centre known as “My Centre”.
He alleged that the centre was managed by a Lebanese man known as Abu Hamza, who investigators said received support from an association linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. These allegations form part of the ongoing inquiry.
The suspect told investigators that he prepared for the alleged operation psychologically and physically by increasing his exposure to extremist material and undertaking boxing training with a private coach.
September 30 was reportedly not his first flight to Tel Aviv. According to the investigation, he had travelled to the city twice before on flights that he said he used to familiarise himself with the route and airport as part of his preparations.
Recruitment checks and confession
Investigators said the suspect had met the professional and security requirements for employment at flydubai. These included holding a pilot’s licence, submitting a certificate of good conduct and completing the required background checks.
Authorities said those procedures did not identify indications of extremist views or an intention to carry out a terrorist attack.
The suspect has provided a detailed confession in the presence of his lawyer and under legally prescribed safeguards, according to the Public Prosecution. Investigators have also taken statements from the aircraft’s captain, the pilot on the return flight, another co-pilot and members of the crew.
The man has claimed he acted alone, without assistance from others. However, prosecutors are continuing to investigate whether anyone else was involved.
The inquiry is examining available recordings, technical reports and other evidence. The Public Prosecution said further findings would be announced when necessary as the investigation progresses.
