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Report Says Oman Previously Grounded Flydubai Copilot Over Radicalization Concerns

Courtroom-sketch editorial illustration of an empty weathered airport runway with a white centerline, grass shoulders, trees and low buildings under a cloudy sky; archival Corn Island Airport, Nicaragua, context for aviation, not Oman, the UAE, Flydubai or the current investigation.

An Omani copilot accused of trying to crash an Israel-bound flydubai flight had previously been grounded by Oman over concerns about Islamist radicalization, according to a Friday-evening report citing people familiar with the matter. The report said flydubai subsequently hired him, but did not establish whether Oman shared its concerns with other countries or airlines, or what form the alleged radicalization took. A UAE spokesperson declined to comment on his history while the investigation continues. Emirati authorities are investigating the September 30 incident, including possible terrorist motives, planning or direction; no final findings have been announced.

Sources

UAE Ministry of Foreign AffairsSource Language: ArabicForeign governmentOpens in a new tab.Secondary sources:1

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