Israeli media accuse Omani co-pilot of trying to bring down Flydubai plane
Israeli media have alleged that the Omani co-pilot of a Flydubai flight en route from the United Arab Emirates to Israel attempted to bring down the aircraft, an allegation that has not yet been officially confirmed. The plane landed at Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk airport after declaring an emergency, and relevant authorities have begun examining the incident.
The Ynet website reported that Israeli interrogators are involved in questioning the co-pilot in Saudi Arabia. According to the outlet, the Mossad intelligence agency has taken charge of the investigation, while Israel’s domestic security agency, Shin Bet, is also cooperating with Mossad in the inquiry.
Officials at Tabuk airport said they received an emergency landing request from the Flydubai flight on the morning of the incident, and the aircraft landed safely. According to them, the pilot and co-pilot were injured and taken to hospital; passengers were also cared for in the airport terminal. The officials added that investigations by specialist agencies are ongoing and that arrangements have been made with Flydubai to transport the passengers.
Images released of the aircraft after landing showed damage to the tail section. Israeli officials have so far not publicly released evidence to support the claim that there was an attempt to bring down the plane.
In the wake of the incident, Benjamin Netanyahu cancelled a planned visit to southern Israel and went to a meeting with security officials. Israel’s finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, called for a response against the country he said was involved in the incident, but did not name it. No involvement by any government or foreign party has been officially confirmed.
Israeli media also reported that another flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv changed course midway and returned to Dubai; the reason for the decision has not been made clear. Yair Lapid, leader of Israel’s opposition, said no related issue was raised at a security meeting the night before the incident, and called the use of security matters for political purposes irresponsible.
