Omani Pilot Identified as Religious Extremist in Suspected Hijacking Attempt

Israel is investigating how a pilot from Oman, believed to be a religious extremist, was cleared to fly a Flydubai jet that was the subject of a suspected hijacking attempt. The flight, bound for Tel Aviv, was diverted to Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot was attacked.

Passengers and crew members intervened after the pilot allegedly stabbed his colleague and attempted to seize control of the aircraft mid-flight. The plane plummeted approximately 14,000 feet in 29 seconds during the struggle. The severely injured captain, Smit Machchhar, was treated for his wounds in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

A fellow pilot, speaking anonymously to Israeli Channel 16 and quoted by the Daily Mail, described the assailant as a religious extremist who exhibited unusual behavior, including frequent prayer and a refusal to shake hands with women. This source reportedly expressed regret, stating that Flydubai had "betrayed Israel" by hiring a "terrorist" and endangering lives. The assailant's identity, intentions, and motive have not been officially confirmed by authorities.

The incident prompted an investigation by Israeli authorities into how the Omani national was cleared to fly to Tel Aviv, particularly given that Oman has no diplomatic relations with Israel and foreign crews flying into Israeli airspace are subject to strict controls. It is understood that such flights typically feature Emirati crew members.

Flydubai flight FZ1073 transmitted an emergency squawk code of 7700, indicating a general emergency, while making a U-turn over Jordanian airspace. The flight briefly transmitted a code of 7500, signaling unlawful interference or hijacking, as it flew over Saudi Arabia. Officials expressed concerns that the incident could have escalated into an event similar to the September 11 attacks, noting that passengers' actions prevented such an outcome.

The crew's mayday call indicated a hijacking was in progress and that medical assistance would be required upon landing. However, the aircraft was initially denied landing clearance by Saudi Arabia and Jordan, before eventually being permitted to land in Tabuk. Air traffic control operators did not provide reasons for the initial refusals.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the arrest of the assailant, who was subsequently questioned by Saudi authorities. Passengers and crew, including an off-duty British pilot who is believed to have assisted, were lauded for their bravery. Passenger Yaniv Hayun was recognized by Prime Minister Netanyahu for his role in subduing the attacker. Hayun recounted how he broke down the cockpit door and wrestled with the assailant.

Aviation experts expressed astonishment that the Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft did not crash, given the extreme descent and the apparent damage to the rudder. Experts noted that the plane recovered from the dive at an altitude that allowed for a safe landing.