Flydubai attacker had planned 9/11-style attack, source tells NBC News
A co-pilot on a FlyDubai flight to Israel stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the plane in September 2026, but the captain fought back and saved 182 people on board. The co-pilot, an Omani national, had been previously flagged for extremism concerns and has told interrogators he planned the attack before joining the airline. Authorities in multiple countries, including Australia and New Zealand, are investigating his background and connections.
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The story so far
10 developments- Sep 30Pilot on FlyDubai flight stabbed another, apparently tried to crash plane, Netanyahu says
- Oct 1Indian airline captain hailed as hero after cockpit attack on FlyDubai flight
- Oct 1FlyDubai pilot on cockpit attack: 'I was fighting for my life'
- Oct 2Axe-wielding FlyDubai co-pilot had been flagged over extremism concerns
- Oct 6Only center coverage:Flydubai co-pilot completed portion of his flight training in New Zealand, police says
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The bigger story
Left
13 viewpointsFlydubai attacker had planned 9/11-style attack, source tells NBC News
Early indications suggest Flydubai co-pilot acted alone in attack, officials say
AP report: UAE had shared details about FlyDubai flight with Israel, including pilots' names and nationalities
UAE shared details about FlyDubai flight with Israel, including pilots’ names and nationalities
Center
39 viewpointsRight
13 viewpointsFlydubai co-pilot attacked pilot with axe in attempted ‘terrorist attack,’ UAE says
Flydubai Pilot: Terrorist Co-Pilot Attacked Him With Axe After Asking to Pray
Ax-wielding FlyDubai co-pilot had been flagged over extremism concerns
Other outlets
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29 articlesFlydubai co-pilot completed portion of his flight training in New Zealand, police says
Flydubai co-pilot originally planned attack for July, investigators believe
Co-pilot planned flydubai attack before joining airline, two Israeli officials say
Co-pilot planned flydubai attack before hired by airline, two Israeli officials say
Center
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