UAE prosecutor details confession in Flydubai flight investigation

UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi announced details of a confession on October 9 by a Flydubai co-pilot accused of an attempted terrorist attack on September 30. WAM said the investigation continues.

According to RIA Novosti's account, prosecutors allege the suspect used two earlier flights to Tel Aviv to study the route and airport. Investigators link the attempted execution of his plan to his third flight there.

The statement recounts his claims about attending a mosque while studying in Melbourne and meeting members of My Center. He identified Abu Hamza as its leader and alleged links to an organization associated with the Muslim Brotherhood. These are the suspect's statements, rather than court findings against the people or institutions mentioned. Prosecutors also reported that he studied material inciting terrorism and trained in boxing.

Investigators said Flydubai's recruitment checks met professional and security requirements, covering his pilot license, criminal record clearance and medical examinations. Those checks revealed no signs of extremist intentions, they said.

Prosecutors allege the co-pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe. A captain assigned to the return flight noticed unusual movements of the cockpit door, entered using an access code and intervened with a flight attendant and passengers. They subdued the attacker and helped the injured pilot.

The return-flight captain and his co-pilot took control and landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Prosecutors said the suspect confessed in his lawyer's presence and claimed to have acted alone. The announcement concerns an ongoing investigation, rather than a court verdict.