Investigators examine motive after alleged mid-flight attack involving Omani co-pilot

Authorities are investigating an incident involving an Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of flydubai Flight FZ1073 and attempting to crash the aircraft, according to the supplied report. The aircraft made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. Saudi officials confirmed that both crew members were hospitalised after the landing.

The co-pilot’s name has not been released. Israel has described the incident as an attempted jihadist terrorist attack and assigned security and intelligence agencies, including Mossad and Shin Bet, to investigate, according to the report. The United Arab Emirates has separately ordered an inquiry into the circumstances and motive.

A fellow pilot told Israel’s Channel 16 that the Omani national had joined flydubai about eight months earlier, and alleged that he prayed frequently and refused to shake hands with women. The report cautions that these claims are allegations and do not, by themselves, establish the co-pilot’s motive. An Omani official confirmed to CBS News that the accused man was born in Oman and holds Omani citizenship.

The report also said he had been employed by the airline for nine months. The initial investigation is expected to be conducted by Saudi Arabia, where the aircraft landed. The co-pilot is then expected to be transferred to the UAE for further questioning.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was being questioned in Saudi Arabia and would likely be moved to Dubai. The UAE inquiry will examine the circumstances and possible motives, including whether the incident was linked to terrorist activity or planned in advance. Emirati authorities said UAE law applies to crimes committed aboard aircraft registered in the country, even outside its territory.