Flydubai Attacker Trained in New Zealand, Investigation Reveals

The co-pilot of a Flydubai aircraft, suspected of attempting to hijack the plane, received flight training in New Zealand. This detail emerged as part of a joint investigation led by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and involving Israel's Shin Bet security agency. The co-pilot has reportedly been interrogated by Shin Bet officials. The incident, which occurred on a flight from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to Dubai, UAE, on September 24, 2023, involved the co-pilot allegedly attempting to divert the aircraft. The flight crew successfully regained control of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft, and it landed safely in Dubai. Initial reports indicated that the co-pilot had locked himself in the cockpit and threatened to crash the plane. However, the investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the co-pilot's intentions and any potential accomplices. The training received in New Zealand is a significant point of interest for investigators seeking to understand the co-pilot's capabilities and potential motivations. New Zealand's aviation authorities are expected to cooperate with the international investigation. The incident has raised concerns about aviation security and the vetting processes for pilots operating international flights. Flydubai, a low-cost airline based in Dubai, has not made extensive public statements regarding the ongoing investigation, emphasizing cooperation with authorities. The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is leading the inquiry, with support from international partners. The Shin Bet's involvement suggests a potential security dimension to the alleged hijacking attempt, although specific details have not been disclosed. The investigation aims to reconstruct the events leading up to and during the incident, including the co-pilot's background, training, and any communications that may shed light on his actions. The successful intervention by the flight crew prevented a potential catastrophe, highlighting the professionalism and training of aviation personnel. Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses, potentially including information about the co-pilot's identity and the specific flight school attended in New Zealand. The incident underscores the complex nature of aviation security and the need for continuous vigilance against evolving threats.