Flydubai Co-Pilot Who Allegedly Attacked Captain Identified as Omani National, TV Reports Say

Television networks reported that the co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a Flydubai flight has been identified as an Omani national, with investigators now examining how he came to be cleared to operate the aircraft.

According to sources cited by ABC News, extremist materials belonging to the co-pilot were discovered in 2024, prior to the incident. The networks' sources indicated that investigators have yet to determine how the individual was able to pass the screening process required to serve as a co-pilot on a Flydubai flight despite that earlier discovery.

TASS, citing the same reporting, noted that the identification remains based on ABC News sourcing and has not been independently confirmed by Flydubai, aviation regulators, or law enforcement authorities in the countries involved.

Incidents involving alleged attacks by crew members on fellow pilots are typically investigated jointly by the airline, the civil aviation authority of the country where the carrier is based, and authorities in other jurisdictions connected to the flight. Screening and vetting procedures for flight crew are also commonly reviewed following such episodes.

Further details, including the current condition of the captain and any charges that may be filed, had not been confirmed in available reporting at the time of publication. Flydubai has not issued a public statement responding to the reports.