Omani Authorities Banned Co-pilot from Flying Due to Security Concerns

The co-pilot who stabbed the captain of Flydubai Flight 1073, which was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, had been barred from flying by Omani authorities due to concerns over his radical ideological views. This information was first reported by the Wall Street Journal on October 3, 2026. The incident raised questions regarding aviation hiring practices and background checks. There were 182 people on board, including four pilots. After the co-pilot's attack, two other pilots managed to regain control and safely land the aircraft in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The Wall Street Journal noted that the co-pilot was hired by Flydubai despite the existing ban from Oman, allowing him to operate on a sensitive route between the UAE and Israel. The report did not clarify whether Oman communicated its concerns about the pilot's radicalization to other countries or airlines. CNN reported that the co-pilot was removed from a position at Oman's national airline the previous year due to worries about extremist views. Al Arabiya also cited sources indicating that Omani authorities had determined the co-pilot held extremist views. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that they are aware the co-pilot underwent Islamist radical indoctrination and intended to crash the aircraft. He also mentioned that investigations are ongoing to determine if the co-pilot acted under direction from others, warning that those involved would face serious consequences.