UAE: A 29-year-old Omani national who worked as a co-pilot for flydubai is under investigation over an alleged attempt to seize control of flight FZ1073 and crash it into Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport on September 30.
According to information released during the ongoing UAE Public Prosecution investigation, the suspect joined flydubai in January 2026. His name has not been publicly disclosed by UAE investigators.
Investigators allege that he intended to cause the greatest possible loss of life. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-8 MAX travelling from the UAE to Israel, reportedly diverted to Saudi Arabia after transmitting emergency signals.
Who Is the Suspect?
The suspect is a 29-year-old Omani national who joined flydubai in January 2026. Before that, he worked for several airlines:
- Oman Air: 2020 to 2024
- Royal Air Maroc: Several months in early 2025
- flydubai: From January 2026
According to investigators, he met the professional and security requirements for employment, including holding a pilot’s licence, providing a certificate of good conduct and completing the required checks. The procedures reportedly did not identify indications of extremist views or plans for a terrorist attack.
Investigators Trace Alleged Radicalisation to 2017
According to investigators, the man began moving towards extremist ideology in 2017 while studying in Australia.
He was reportedly influenced by takfiri ideology through extremist literature and online content glorifying terrorist organisations and suicide attacks. The ideology involves declaring other Muslims or groups to be apostates or unbelievers.
Investigators allege that his views later developed into support for violence and terrorism. He reportedly drew inspiration from the September 11, 2001, attacks and wanted to carry out a similar operation. According to his reported confession, this ambition was linked to his decision to pursue a career in aviation.
Studies in Australia and the UK
The suspect studied at RMIT University in Melbourne but did not successfully complete an engineering qualification, according to the university.
During his studies, he reportedly attended a mosque affiliated with RMIT and became acquainted with people associated with a centre known as “My Centre”. He identified its manager as a Lebanese man known as “Abu Hamza” and alleged that the individual received support from an association linked to the Muslim Brotherhood.
These claims form part of the reported investigation and have not been independently established in the account.
Australian media reported that the suspect received a student visa in 2015, which was cancelled in 2019 after checks found that he had left the country.
Buckinghamshire New University in the UK also said a student with the same name had completed a distance-learning course in aviation management. The institution clarified that he had not undertaken pilot training there.
The Australian Federal Police confirmed that a joint counterterrorism task force involving the AFP, Victoria Police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation was investigating the suspect’s links to Australia.
How Did He Allegedly Prepare?
Investigators said the suspect claimed to have prepared psychologically and physically for the alleged plot. This reportedly involved increasing his exposure to material promoting terrorism and undertaking boxing training with a private coach.
September 30 was reportedly his third flight to Tel Aviv. According to his statement, he used two earlier journeys to familiarise himself with the route and the airport as part of his preparations.
Did the Suspect Confess?
According to the UAE Public Prosecution, the suspect provided a detailed confession in the presence of his lawyer and with the required legal safeguards in place.
The reported confession covered his alleged motives and the stages of planning and execution. Prosecutors also recorded statements from the aircraft’s captain, the pilot involved in the return flight, the co-pilot and other crew members.
The allegations remain part of an ongoing investigation.
Was He Acting Alone?
The suspect reportedly told investigators that he acted alone and that no one else was involved. Authorities are continuing to examine this claim and investigate whether accomplices or other connections may have played a role.
What Happens Next?
The UAE Public Prosecution is continuing to review evidence, recordings and technical reports related to flight FZ1073. Investigators are also examining the possibility of wider connections and whether anyone else was involved.
Further findings are expected to be announced as the investigation progresses.
