Omani Co-Pilot Linked to Suspected Terror Attack on Israel-Bound Flight
The co-pilot of a flyDubai flight bound for Israel, who allegedly attacked the main pilot, was an Omani national employed by the airline for less than a year.
The co-pilot involved in a suspected terror attack on a flyDubai flight destined for Israel was an Omani national who had been employed by the airline for under a year, according to reports.
Israeli officials are examining whether the suspect, who has not been officially identified, possessed dual citizenship. This inquiry stems from the stringent travel restrictions between Oman and Israel. Oman does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, and Omani nationals are required to obtain a visa to enter the country.
Sources told Channel 12 that the co-pilot began working for flyDubai only months before the alleged stabbing of the main pilot on Wednesday's flight to Tel Aviv. The incident raised fears of a hijacking.
Following the event, Israeli government ministers have called for an investigation into whether the UAE has violated its aviation agreement with Israel. The Times of Israel reported that these calls were directed at the country's Civil Aviation Authority.
Under the terms of the aviation agreement, only pilots holding passports from countries with diplomatic ties to Israel are permitted to land in the country.
The attacker and the injured pilot have been hospitalized in Saudi Arabia, according to reports cited by Channel 12. The incident led to the flyDubai plane making an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
