The suspect’s career involved employment at various airlines across different nations. He worked with Oman Air from 2020 to 2024, then joined Royal Air Maroc at the beginning of 2025, before moving to Fly Dubai in January 2026.
During his time studying in Melbourne, the suspect frequented a mosque associated with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) and developed connections with individuals at a centre known as the “My Centre,” which was managed by a Lebanese individual referred to as “Abu Hamza”. This centre reportedly received backing from an organisation linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. The suspect indicated that he prepared emotionally for his plot by consuming materials that encouraged terrorism and physically by training in boxing under a personal tutor.
The Attack Attempt
Following his integration into Fly Dubai, the suspect specifically requested assignments on Tel Aviv flights. He undertook reconnaissance on two previous flights to observe the route and the airport, laying the groundwork for his plan prior to attempting execution on September 30, 2026. The investigation also examined the procedures undertaken by Fly Dubai during the suspect’s hiring process, revealing that he met all professional and security requirements, such as having a valid pilot’s licence and a clean record, without any documentation revealing signs of his radical beliefs or his terrorist scheme.
The Day of the Incident
On the day of the incident, the suspect ambushed the aircraft’s captain in the cockpit, attacking him with an emergency axe. The captain fought back and attempted to call for help. Simultaneously, the returning flight captain, who happened to be nearby, noticed the cockpit door being opened and closed repeatedly, raising his suspicions. He approached the door, managed to enter using a secure code, and witnessed the suspect assaulting the captain. With the assistance of flight attendants and several passengers, they were able to rescue the injured captain and apprehend the suspect. Meanwhile, the returning flight captain and his first officer regained control of the aircraft and redirected it to safely land in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Further Investigations
In the presence of his lawyer, the suspect provided a detailed confession regarding his motives, planning, and execution phases, asserting he acted alone without accomplices, a claim that investigations are currently verifying. The prosecution has also heard from the aircraft’s captain, the relief pilot, the first officer, and the cabin crew. Furthermore, the captain was evaluated by forensic experts to document his injuries and establish their consistency with the circumstances of the attack.
The Attorney General confirmed that investigations continue to examine evidence and ascertain the existence of any accomplices or additional connections, with recording and technical reports being completed. Updates will be released in line with the requirements of the ongoing inquiry.