International teams have opened investigations after an Omani co-pilot stabbed his captain in an apparent bid to crash an Israel-bound flydubai flight, which was landed safely in Saudi Arabia after passengers intervened.
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Key facts
- An Omani co-pilot stabbed his captain in an apparent attempt to crash an Israel-bound flight from Dubai.
- Israeli passengers intervened to stop the attack and restrained the co-pilot.
- A reserve crew stabilised the plummeting plane and landed it safely in Saudi Arabia.
- Benjamin Netanyahu said it was too early to tell who was behind the incident.
- flydubai has halted all flights to Israel.
The motive, background and affiliation of an Omani co-pilot who stabbed his captain in an apparent attempt to crash an Israel-bound flight from Dubai remain unknown, as international teams open investigations into the incident, according to the Guardian.
The attack took place on Wednesday. Israeli passengers were able to intervene and stop the attack, restraining the co-pilot, the Guardian reported. A reserve crew aboard the aircraft then managed to stabilise the plummeting plane and ultimately land it safely in Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was too early to tell who may have been behind the plane incident, according to the Guardian.
In the wake of the incident, the carrier flydubai has halted all of its flights to Israel, the Guardian reported.
Investigators have not publicly identified a motive, and the co-pilot’s possible affiliations have not been established. The international nature of the probe reflects the multiple countries involved, including the flight’s origin in Dubai, its intended destination in Israel, and its eventual landing in Saudi Arabia.
Why it matters
An apparent attempt to crash a commercial airliner raises serious questions about cockpit security and crew vetting on international routes. The incident also has immediate consequences for travellers, with flydubai suspending all flights to Israel while investigations continue.
Frequently asked questions
What happened on the flydubai flight?
According to the Guardian, an Omani co-pilot stabbed his captain in an apparent attempt to crash an Israel-bound flight from Dubai. Israeli passengers intervened and restrained him, and a reserve crew stabilised the aircraft and landed it safely in Saudi Arabia.
Is the motive known?
No. The Guardian reports that the motive, background and affiliation of the co-pilot remain unknown, and Benjamin Netanyahu said it was too early to tell who may have been behind the incident.
Are flydubai flights to Israel still operating?
No. According to the Guardian, the carrier has halted all of its flights to Israel following the incident.
Timeline
- Motive behind flydubai cockpit stabbing unknown as international probe opens
The Guardian World: Netanyahu says too early to tell who was behind plane incident as carrier halts all flights to Israel The motive, background and affiliation of the Omani co-pilot who stabbed his captain in an apparent attempt to crash an Israel-bound flight from Dubai remains unknown, as interna
- Motive behind flydubai cockpit stabbing unknown as international investigation opens
The Guardian World: Benjamin Netanyahu says too early to tell who may have been behind plane incident as carrier halts all flights to Israel The motive, background and affiliation of the Omani co-pilot who stabbed his captain in an apparent attempt to crash an Israel-bound flight from Dubai remains