On September 30 local time, Emirates Flight FZ1073 was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Israel. The co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain in the cockpit, causing the plane to drop approximately 4200 meters within 30 seconds. After the other crew members and passengers subdued the attacker, the crew regained control of the plane.
According to reports by the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) on October 2nd, sources familiar with the investigation said that the co-pilot suspected of stabbing the captain during the cockpit incident at Dubai Airlines is 'cooperating' with authorities in their investigation. He has also stated his intentions.
Dubai Airways, Oman Air, and representatives of Oman's embassies abroad did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
According to CNN, a source familiar with the matter revealed that in 2025, a suspect was fired from Oman Air due to extremist views.
Another source revealed that the suspect is a citizen of Oman, born in the UAE. His father is from Oman and his mother is Syrian. He spent several years living in the UAE during his lifetime. An Israeli official also confirmed his identity.
The third source said that the suspect previously worked for the Royal Moroccan Airlines.
According to sources familiar with the matter, as reported by The Wall Street Journal on October 2nd, the suspect has been banned from flying in Oman. Despite this ban, sources revealed that the suspect is still employed by Dubai Airlines, responsible for piloting sensitive routes connecting the UAE and Israel.
It is currently unclear whether Oman has shared its concerns about the suspect's radicalization with other countries or airlines.
The UAE is leading the investigation into this incident. A UAE spokesman declined to comment on the suspect's past activities in Oman, "in order not to pre-judge the outcome of the investigation or interfere with the investigation process."
An Israeli official revealed to CNN that the suspect had only worked at Dubai Airlines for eight months.
