UAE says flydubai co‑pilot planned 9/11‑style attack on Israel’s main airport

UAE authorities have announced that a co‑pilot employed by flydubai had plotted a suicide attack on Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s main international gateway, using a method described as similar to the 9/11 attacks. The plan involved crashing the aircraft into the airport’s terminal facilities.

According to the investigation, the co‑pilot acted alone and intended to carry out the attack without any external support. The scheme was uncovered before any flight could be launched, preventing any loss of life or damage to the airport infrastructure.

UAE security services detected the plot during routine monitoring and detained the co‑pilot. The authorities promptly informed their Israeli counterparts, and both nations’ security agencies collaborated in the subsequent investigation and evidence gathering.

The detained co‑pilot has been placed in custody and is facing criminal charges under UAE law for planning a terrorist act. The incident has prompted both governments to reaffirm their commitment to close cooperation on aviation security and counter‑terrorism measures.

Officials noted that the thwarted plot underscores the importance of intelligence sharing between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, especially amid heightened regional tensions. Both countries have pledged to continue working together to identify and neutralize similar threats in the future.