UAE Labels Flydubai Attack ‘Terrorism’ as Israel Investigates Co-Pilot’s Background

The United Arab Emirates has, for the first time, publicly characterized Wednesday’s attempted crash of a Flydubai passenger jet as a “terrorist act,” as Israel investigates whether the Omani co-pilot acted alone or under direction. Anwar Gargash, a senior diplomatic adviser to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, praised the Indian pilot, Smit Machchhar, for his courage in confronting the co-pilot, who repeatedly stabbed him during the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The Wall Street Journal reported that the co-pilot was previously banned from flying in Oman due to concerns about his adoption of radical ideological views. Despite this ban, Flydubai hired the Omani national to fly the sensitive route between the UAE and Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Friday that Israel is investigating whether the co-pilot “was sent,” emphasizing that investigators have not yet determined if he acted at someone else’s direction, but noting he had undergone “Islamist radicalization” and “came to crash the plane.” Netanyahu likened the incident to a potential 9/11. The UAE spokesperson declined to address the co-pilot’s history in Oman, stating that doing so could “prejudge the outcome of the investigation or interfere with its course.”

France24 reported that UAE investigators also concluded the co-pilot was planning a “terrorist act.” The investigation continues to determine the extent of any external involvement or prior planning. It remains unresolved whether the co-pilot was acting on behalf of another party, or the specific nature of his radicalization.

Where they differ

• Breitbart emphasized Netanyahu’s comparison of the incident to 9/11 and his statement that the co-pilot underwent ‘Islamist radicalization.’
• France24 focused on the UAE investigators’ conclusion that the co-pilot was planning a ‘terrorist act,’ mirroring the UAE’s official characterization.
• Breitbart included details about the stabbing of the pilot and Gargash's praise, while France24 did not.

What is not yet known

• The specific nature of the co-pilot’s reported radicalization remains undetermined.
• It is unclear whether Oman shared its concerns about the co-pilot with other countries or airlines.
• The extent of any external involvement in the attempted attack is still under investigation.

Background

• Flydubai flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia on Wednesday following a cockpit altercation between the pilots [Fact Refinery, 2026-09-30].
• The UAE severed economic ties with Iran following alleged missile attacks on its territory in August, coinciding with the expiration of US-Iran peace talks [Fact Refinery, 2026-08-19].
• The co-pilot involved in the incident, Hamam Al Hammami, was previously identified as a security risk and suspended by Oman Air in 2024 for possessing extremist materials [Fact Refinery, 2026-10-03].
• Saudi Arabia and Israel do not maintain official diplomatic relations, making the landing of an Israeli-bound flight in Saudi Arabia unusual [Fact Refinery, 2026-09-30].

Our reading

Our reading is that the incident represents a significant escalation of security concerns regarding air travel between the UAE and Israel. The UAE’s explicit labeling of the event as “terrorism,” coupled with the established history of the co-pilot’s radicalization and prior security concerns, suggests a deliberate act rather than a spontaneous outburst. The differing emphases in reporting, Netanyahu’s 9/11 comparison versus the focus on the UAE’s characterization, highlights the sensitivity of the situation and the potential for varied interpretations.

What to watch

• Confirmation from Omani authorities regarding whether they shared information about Al Hammami’s prior radicalization with Flydubai or other aviation authorities [various sources].
• The results of the investigation into the extent of any external involvement in the attempted attack, and whether any organizations or individuals aided Al Hammami [various sources].
• Any changes to security protocols on flights between the UAE and Israel, or to aviation security standards in the region, in response to the incident [various sources].

Was this useful? 👍 0 👎 0

---

Read the original coverage