Key facts
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacker on a Flydubai flight had undergone "Islamist radical indoctrination."
- The attacker reportedly intended to down the plane, according to Netanyahu.
- The Flydubai plane dropped over 17,000 feet before passengers and crew subdued the attacker.
- The aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
- The co-pilot, Capt Smit Machchhar, is recovering well.
- Flydubai has suspended flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that preliminary investigations suggest the man who stabbed his co-pilot and attempted to take over a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv had undergone "Islamist radical indoctrination." The plane, carrying over 170 people, plunged more than 17,000 feet (5,200 meters) two hours into its journey on Wednesday before passengers and crew overpowered the attacker and ensured a safe landing in Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu told Fox News that it was "very likely" the attacker, identified as an Omani national, was intending to down the plane. He also noted the attacker's suicidal calls to the aircrew after being subdued, suggesting a clear suicidal intent coupled with radicalization.
Investigations are underway in the United Arab Emirates to determine if the incident was linked to any terrorist activity. The co-pilot, identified as Indian national Capt Smit Machchhar, is currently being questioned in Saudi Arabia, where the plane made an emergency landing. However, UAE officials assert jurisdiction due to the aircraft's registration.
Preliminary findings from a separate Israeli investigation, led by the intelligence agency Mossad, also suggest the attacker intended to crash the plane. Passengers were interviewed upon their arrival in Tel Aviv to gather more information.
Flydubai has suspended flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv while it conducts its own investigation, a move that aligns with Netanyahu's directive. Israeli airlines are preparing to operate rescue flights for stranded passengers.