The Flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking his captain on Flight FZ1073 told investigators he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel, i24NEWS reported, citing sources briefed on the investigation. Al Arabiya English previously identified the suspect as Hamam Alhamami. The Sept. 30 flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

Passengers and crew subdued the suspect after the captain was stabbed and the aircraft entered a steep descent. A reserve pilot crew landed it safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The suspect has since been transferred to the UAE, which is leading an investigation into his motives, possible terrorist links and whether others directed him. Israeli officials will question him, Reuters reported.

Oman had previously banned the co-pilot from flying over concerns about radical ideological views, the Wall Street Journal reported. CNN reported that he was removed from a job at Oman Air in 2025 over concerns about extremist views. Flydubai subsequently hired him and assigned him to the Israel route; whether Oman shared its concerns with the airline or UAE authorities remains unclear. Flydubai has suspended Tel Aviv operations until further notice.