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    A co‑pilot on a FlyDubai aircraft set upon and struck the captain while the crew was at the controls on 1 October 2026, forcing the commander to exercise stun‑weapons and the crew to declare a diversion, according to a report released by Israeli investigators.[1]

    The investigation, initially opened by Israeli civil aviation authorities, focuses on uncovering any pre‑existing motives that may have prompted the violent act, as the attack occurred just minutes after the aircraft’s departure from Dubai.[1]

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referenced the co‑pilot’s “Islamist radical indoctrination” as a possible driver for the assault, though he offered no further detail or confirmation of the claim.[1]

    FlyDubai officials have yet to comment on the incident, while the airline’s spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft returned to the airport safely after the crisis was contained and medical care was provided to the injured pilot.[1]

    Investigative Timelines and Next Steps

    Investigators are reviewing the cockpit security footage, interviewing all flight personnel, and questioning the co‑pilot’s travel and employment history to assess potential ideological affiliations.[1]

    Law enforcement officials are also collaborating with aviation authorities in the United Arab Emirates and Israel to determine whether this act reflects a broader threat to international air travel or remains an isolated incident.[1]

    Version and update history
    1. Version 1 · — Initial source-grounded generation