FlyDubai co-pilot tried to crash Israel-bound jet into Ben Gurion airport, probe finds

Investigators in the United Arab Emirates, assisted by Israeli authorities, concluded on 1 October 2026 that the co-pilot of a FlyDubai flight carrying more than 100 Israeli passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv had intended to crash the Boeing jet into Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport. The attacker, identified by Israel as an Omani national, attacked the captain in mid-flight with an axe and attempted to seize the controls before crew and passengers subdued him. The aircraft diverted safely to Saudi Arabia, and all passengers later reached Israel. UAE and Israeli authorities deemed the incident an attempted terrorist attack, while the motive remained under investigation. On the same day the pilot was transferred to Emirati custody. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met one of the Israeli passengers at Ben Gurion and framed the incident as fresh evidence of threats facing Israelis ahead of upcoming elections, calling for intensified military action on multiple fronts. U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Iran would be 'hit very hard' if investigators found Tehran to be behind the attack, dramatically raising regional tensions.