The United Arab Emirates' attorney-general has alleged that a Flydubai co-pilot involved in an attack began a 'drift towards extremism and terrorism' while in Australia, and attempted to crash the aircraft into Tel Aviv's airport.
Key facts
- The UAE attorney-general says the co-pilot's radicalisation began in Australia.
- Authorities allege the co-pilot tried to crash the plane into Tel Aviv's airport.
- The case was reported by the BBC on 10 October 2026.
The United Arab Emirates has alleged that a Flydubai co-pilot involved in an attack began what authorities described as a ‘drift towards extremism and terrorism’ during a period in Australia, according to the BBC.
The UAE’s attorney-general made the allegations, which centre on the co-pilot’s actions and alleged intentions during the incident.
According to the BBC, the attorney-general also alleges that the co-pilot was attempting to crash the plane into Tel Aviv’s airport.
The claims tie the co-pilot’s alleged radicalisation to time spent in Australia, though the sources available do not provide further detail on the timeline or circumstances of that period.
The BBC reported the allegations on 10 October 2026. No additional specifics about the flight, the number of people on board, or the outcome of the incident were provided in the available source material.
Why it matters
Allegations that an airline crew member sought to deliberately crash a passenger aircraft raise serious questions about aviation security and crew vetting. The claim that radicalisation began in Australia may also draw international attention to how extremism is monitored across borders.
Frequently asked questions
What did the UAE allege about the Flydubai co-pilot?
The UAE's attorney-general alleges that the co-pilot began a 'drift towards extremism and terrorism' in Australia and was trying to crash the plane into Tel Aviv's airport, according to the BBC.
Where did the alleged radicalisation begin?
According to the UAE, the co-pilot's drift towards extremism began while in Australia.
What was the alleged target?
The UAE's attorney-general alleges the co-pilot was attempting to crash the plane into Tel Aviv's airport, as reported by the BBC.