Motive Behind Flydubai Cockpit Stabbing Remains Unclear as Investigation Opens

International investigators have opened an inquiry into an attack aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Israel, after a co-pilot stabbed the captain in the cockpit in what authorities describe as an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft.

The motive, background and affiliation of the Omani co-pilot remain unknown as the investigation gets under way. Israeli passengers on board intervened during the attack and restrained the co-pilot, while a reserve crew member helped stabilize the aircraft after it began to plummet, ultimately landing it safely in Saudi Arabia.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was too early to determine who may have been behind the incident. Flydubai has since halted all flights to Israel following the episode.

Passengers' role

Accounts from the flight describe passengers playing a direct role in preventing the situation from escalating further, both in subduing the attacker and assisting the flight crew during the emergency landing.

Authorities in multiple countries are expected to continue examining the co-pilot's history and any possible motive as the investigation proceeds.