Saudi Arabia launched an aviation safety investigation into a cockpit stabbing on flydubai
A Flydubai flight from Dubai experienced a cockpit attack by a co-pilot who allegedly used a rescue axe or hook to assault the pilot. The incident occurred during a flight bound for Israel, with the co-pilot reportedly intending to crash the plane at Ben Gurion Airport.
- A Flydubai co-pilot allegedly attacked the pilot with a rescue axe or hook during a flight from Dubai, intending to crash the Boeing 737 MAX into Ben Gurion Airport or a tower block in Israel.
- The UAE has opened a separate criminal investigation into the incident and is keeping Israel informed about its progress.
- Saudi Arabia launched an air accident probe and notified international aviation agencies about the investigation.
- The UAE prosecutor general called the incident a terrorist attack, and the attorney-general said the co-pilot attempted a terrorist act on flight FZ1073.
- Israel offered to participate in any Saudi-led safety investigation.
- The co-pilot arrived in New Zealand on 30 November 2018, and police are investigating his time there.
- The copilot reportedly intended to take control of the aircraft and crash it at Ben Gurion Airport.
- The US National Transportation Safety Board assigned a representative to the investigation.
- NPR said the copilot is believed to have acted alone.
- Two sources identified the co-pilot as an Omani national named Hamam al-Hammami.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the pilot underwent Islamist radical indoctrination.
- The detained co-pilot was transferred to the UAE and previously worked for Oman Air before being suspended after extremist material was found.
- US President Donald Trump suggested Iran might be responsible, and Vice President JD Vance stated Iran’s involvement is under investigation.
- NPR has information from an ongoing investigation into the incident.
Outlets: Al-Monitor, Business Recorder, Cyprus Mail, Die Presse, Die Welt, Financial Times, Guardian Australia, Luxembourg Times, Mint, MyJoyOnline, NBC News, NOS Nieuws (Netherlands), NZ Herald, ORF News (Austria), SRF News, Stuff, The Hindu (International), The Independent, Times of India (Top), ZEIT ONLINE | Nachrichten, Hintergründe und Debatten
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