One question emerged after the terrifying incident aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073. How was an Omani co-pilot assigned to a flight bound for Israel?
Oman has no diplomatic relations with Israel. Israeli authorities are now examining whether the crew assignment broke aviation rules covering the Dubai-Tel Aviv route.
Who Was the Omani Co-Pilot on Flydubai FZ1073?
The co-pilot’s name has not been publicly confirmed.
Reuters reported that an Israeli official identified the suspected attacker as an Omani national and the motive behind the incident remains unclear for now. Israeli media said he had worked for Flydubai for less than a year. Some reports put his time at the airline at around nine months.
Saudi authorities reportedly arrested the co-pilot after the aircraft landed at Tabuk Airport. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the pilot had stabbed another pilot and apparently tried to crash the plane. The motive remains under investigation.
The Omani Co-Pilot Was Not Employed in Israel
The co-pilot did not work for an Israeli company. Flydubai employed him in the United Arab Emirates.
Flydubai is based in Dubai. The airline recruits staff from across the world. An official company announcement said its workforce includes people from 144 nationalities. More than 1,500 qualified pilots work for the carrier.
An Omani citizen can therefore work for Flydubai without Oman having relations with every country served by the airline. The bigger issue concerns his assignment to the Israel route.
How Was He Cleared to Fly to Israel?
Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev reportedly demanded the suspension of Flydubai services after the incident. She also requested an investigation into the UAE-Israel aviation agreement.
Hebrew media reports cited by The Times of Israel said the agreement allows only pilots carrying passports from countries with diplomatic relations with Israel to land there.
Israeli authorities are reportedly investigating whether the Omani co-pilot held another passport. Dual citizenship could explain how he received clearance.
No official confirmation of a second nationality has emerged. Another possibility is a failure in Flydubai’s crew-assignment process. Investigators have not established either explanation.
What Happened Aboard the Flydubai Flight?
Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when violence reportedly erupted inside the cockpit.
Flight data showed the Boeing 737 falling nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. The aircraft transmitted emergency code 7700. Code 7500, used for unlawful interference, followed.
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The cabin crew entered the cockpit and regained control, according to Israeli officials quoted by Reuters. Both pilots were injured. The flight later landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
FAQs
Who was the Omani co-pilot?
His identity has not been officially released. Israeli officials described him as an Omani national employed by Flydubai.
Did the co-pilot work in Israel?
No. He worked for Flydubai, a Dubai-based airline operating flights to Israel.
