FlydUbai co-pilot pre-planned cockpit attack, officials claim

The co-pilot, who allegedly attacked his captain during a flight last week, confessed to UAE authorities that he had conceived the attack prior to his employment with the Dubai-based carrier, according to two Israeli officials briefed on the probe.

The incident marked a dramatic security breach aboard the aircraft, with the co-pilot allegedly using a blade to stab the captain in what investigators believe was an attempted act of sabotage. The captain sustained injuries but the aircraft was safely diverted, preventing a potential catastrophe.

The revelation that the attack had been pre-meditated raises serious questions about the airline's hiring and vetting procedures. It suggests the co-pilot may have deliberately sought employment with flydubai to carry out the assault, rather than acting on a sudden impulse.

UAE authorities have taken custody of the co-pilot and are conducting a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The findings could trigger wider security reviews across Gulf aviation operators and potentially affect hiring protocols across the regional airline industry.

Flydubai, a subsidiary of Emirates airline, has pledged to cooperate fully with authorities and implement any necessary safety measures resulting from the investigation.