Australian counter-terrorism authorities have launched a probe into a flydubai co-pilot after he allegedly tried to seize control of a passenger flight and crash it into an Israeli airport. The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team, which includes the Australian Federal Police, state police and ASIO, is examining the man’s connections to Australia.
The dramatic incident unfolded on 30 September aboard flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to officials, the co-pilot attacked the captain with a cockpit emergency axe and attempted to take over the aircraft. Other crew members and passengers quickly intervened. The plane diverted safely to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia and landed without further harm.
UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi revealed that investigators believe the co-pilot showed clear signs of moving towards extremism while studying in Australia in 2017. He is said to have drawn inspiration from the September 11 attacks in the United States. The man studied engineering at RMIT University in Melbourne but never completed his degree.
Australian media confirmed that authorities are now closely reviewing his time in the country and any possible contacts with extremist networks. So far there is no public evidence that any other person or group was involved in the alleged plot. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
The flight was carrying passengers bound for Israel when the emergency signal was activated. After the safe landing in Saudi Arabia, the aircraft later continued and arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv. The case has raised serious questions about aviation security and the background checks of flight crew members.
Officials on both sides are treating the matter with high priority. Australian agencies are cooperating with UAE investigators to piece together the co-pilot’s past activities and any radicalisation pathway that may have developed during his student years. The outcome of the probe could have wider implications for how airlines and security services monitor potential threats within the aviation industry.
