pilot's 'drift towards terrorism' started in Australia
Investigators have linked the attempted hijacking of a flydubai flight to an Omani pilot who allegedly began radicalizing while studying in Australia in 2017. The pilot reportedly intended to crash the plane into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport.
Why it matters
The incident raises significant concerns regarding aviation security and the long-term monitoring of individuals showing signs of extremist radicalization.
A flydubai plane was carrying passengers bound for Israel from the United Arab Emirates. ( AFP: Jack Guez )
The co-pilot who allegedly tried to hijack a flydubai flight to Tel Aviv began showing signs of a "drift towards extremism and terrorism" in Australia nearly 10 years ago, investigators say.
United Arab Emirates authorities say the man was trying to take control of the plane to crash it into Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport.
The Australian Federal Police is investigating his time in Australia and any links to extremism.
Link copied Share Share article Emirati investigators have revealed the pilot who allegedly attempted to hijack a plane from Dubai to Tel Aviv started to "drift towards extremism and terrorism" while studying in Australia.
Also covering this story
9 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
Flydubai attacker began a 'drift towards extremism and terrorism' in Australia, UAE says
Israel To Honour Captain Smit Machchhar With Presidential Award For Heroism
FlyDubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Tel Aviv airport, inspired by 9/11, prosecutor says
Flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Israeli airport, UAE prosecutors say
FlyDubai co-pilot sought to crash plane into Tel Aviv's main airport: UAE
UAE: Omani flydubai pilot targeted Ben-Gurion Airport in suicide attack attempt
Flydubai co-pilot plotted ‘suicide’ attack on Israel, UAE says
Flydubai cockpit attack: Israel to honour Capt Smit with top civilian bravery award
Israel to honour Capt. Smit Machchhar with civilian heroism award
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in