Explainer: Did Flydubai Co-Pilot Plan to Crash Plane Into Tel Aviv? Here’s What Reports Reveal

New Delhi: Reports surrounding the attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv have raised alarming questions about the co-pilot’s alleged intentions. According to Israeli and US media reports cited by the BBC, the co-pilot allegedly planned to crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport or a high-rise building in Tel Aviv after attacking the captain.

However, authorities have not yet publicly confirmed the reported motive or intended target. The investigation remains ongoing.

What Happened?

Flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was reportedly disrupted after the Omani co-pilot attacked the captain with an emergency crash axe inside the cockpit.

Passengers eventually overpowered the attacker. Another crew member subsequently managed to land the aircraft safely in Saudi Arabia.

The UAE Attorney-General described the incident as an attempted “terrorist act” and said authorities were investigating the circumstances and possible motives.

The Crash Plan: What Do We Know?

Israeli media, citing sources familiar with the investigation, reported that the co-pilot told investigators he intended to take control of the Boeing 737 MAX and continue towards Israel.

According to these reports, he allegedly planned to crash the aircraft—carrying more than 180 passengers—either into Ben Gurion Airport or a tower block in central Tel Aviv, drawing comparisons with the September 11 attacks.

But there is an important caveat: these details come from reported accounts of the investigation and had not been independently confirmed by Israeli or Emirati authorities at the time of the report.

Was He Acting Alone?

The reports suggest investigators believe the co-pilot was most likely acting as a lone extremist, rather than carrying out an operation directed by a larger organisation or foreign government.

He reportedly also told investigators that he had considered hijacking a previous Tel Aviv-bound flight but abandoned the plan because he knew someone on board.

The UAE has said its investigation will determine the attacker’s motives, circumstances and any possible links.

Were There Earlier Warning Signs?

The incident has also raised questions about aviation security.

Regional officials reportedly said the co-pilot had previously been barred from flying by Oman Air and moved to an administrative position because of concerns about extremist views. He was subsequently hired by Flydubai after undergoing standard security checks, according to those officials.

These claims, however, remain part of the wider investigation and should not be treated as independently established facts without official confirmation.

FactCheck India Verdict

🟡 PARTLY VERIFIED / INVESTIGATION ONGOING

The attempted hijacking and attack on the Flydubai captain are reported facts. The UAE has described the incident as an attempted terrorist act.

However, the specific claim that the co-pilot planned to deliberately crash the aircraft into Ben Gurion Airport or a Tel Aviv tower is based on reports citing sources familiar with the investigation. Authorities have not yet publicly confirmed those specific details.

The Bigger Picture

In an incident this serious, the distinction between what authorities have confirmed and what investigators are reportedly examining matters.

A dramatic claim can travel around the world long before an investigation reaches its conclusion. The safest approach is therefore not to turn reported intelligence into established fact.

Until investigators release their findings, the reported crash plan should be treated as an allegation under investigation—not a conclusively established motive.