Archive · 5 Oct 2026
FlyDubai Attack Raises Questions About Crew Screening
An Omani co-pilot on a FlyDubai flight allegedly attacked the captain with an axe.
The plane was carrying 182 people and was descending when the attack happened.
The captain and others managed to regain control and stop the co-pilot.
Oman said it had already stopped him from working in aviation because of his interest in extremist websites.
UAE officials said they had sent Israel information about everyone on the plane, but Israel did not flag anyone.
Israeli officials disagree about who was meant to check the passenger list and whether the Transportation Ministry received it.
Israel's prime minister ordered a review of security for foreign flights.
Investigators are still examining how the co-pilot was allowed to serve on the flight and what security checks were carried out.
UAE officials said passenger and crew names and nationalities were shared with Israel, which flagged no one as a security concern.
The Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a cockpit crash axe and tried to take control as the plane descended.
The flight carried 182 people; the captain, off-duty pilots, passengers and crew helped regain control and subdue the co-pilot.
Oman said it had barred the co-pilot from aviation work after identifying his interest in extremist websites.
Israeli officials disputed who was responsible for checking passenger lists, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a review of foreign-aviation security.
- Who
- An Omani FlyDubai co-pilot, the captain, and other passengers and crew.
- What
- The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft; the captain and others subdued him.
- When
- The incident occurred on a Wednesday; Netanyahu ordered a security review on Thursday.
- Where
- A FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
- Why
- The co-pilot's motive is not established; the incident prompted questions about crew vetting and security checks.
Shin Bet and aviation security account
Transportation Minister's account
Who was responsible for checking passenger lists?
Shin Bet and aviation security account
Shin Bet said the Transportation Ministry is responsible for checking passenger lists from foreign flights. Aviation security official Dvir Rubenstien said the ministry relies on local checks and cannot individually screen every passenger.
Transportation Minister's account
Transportation Minister Miri Regev said security agencies are responsible for flight security and claimed her ministry did not receive the passenger list or any warnings.
Responsibility for the security failures
Shin Bet and aviation security account
Opposition leader Yair Golan accused the transportation minister and prime minister of abandoning aviation and national security.
Transportation Minister's account
The articles report no direct response to Golan's accusation; the investigation and review of foreign-aviation security are ongoing.
- People on board
- 182 passengers and crew
- Aircraft route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Alleged weapon
- A crash axe in the cockpit
- UAE account
- The UAE shared passenger and crew details, including names and nationalities, with Israel; officials said no one was flagged.
- Oman's statement
- Oman said the co-pilot had been barred from working in aviation after authorities identified his interest in extremist websites.
- Israeli review
- Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a review of security aspects relating to foreign civil aviation to Israel.
- Investigation
- The UAE is leading the investigation; Australian police said counterterrorism investigators were examining possible connections to Australia.
