Flydubai Co-Pilot Was Previously Banned from Flying in Oman Over Radicalization

Authorities in Oman had previously identified that the co-pilot who attempted to crash a flydubai flight bound for Israel had undergone Islamist radicalization, and barred him from flying, ynet and Maariv reported, citing The Wall Street Journal. According to the reports, Omani officials revoked his flight clearance over concerns regarding extremist ideology he had adopted, including during time spent in Syria.

Despite the ban in Oman, the pilot was subsequently hired by flydubai and assigned to its route to Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli security officials assess that the co-pilot acted as a lone wolf on his own initiative, contrary to suggestions of guidance by outside hostile entities. Further details regarding flydubai's vetting and hiring process have not yet been released.