Netanyahu says Flydubai co-pilot 'came to crash the plane'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that the co-pilot involved in the Flydubai flight attack attempted to crash the aircraft, noting that Israel is investigating those possibly behind the incident.

A flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft prepares for landing at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport in Lod on September 30, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

"As time goes by, the picture becomes clearer," Netanyahu said in a recorded video statement, alleging that the co-pilot underwent "radicalization" and "came to crash the plane with all passengers on board."

"We are investigating whether he was sent, and whoever sent him will pay a very heavy price," Netanyahu said.

The incident occurred Wednesday on a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed the captain inside the cockpit, causing the aircraft to plunge suddenly, before being overpowered by crew members and passengers.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) attorney-general on Thursday ordered a probe into the incident. The UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash on Friday described the attack as a "terrorist act."