The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Flydubai passengers recognized as terror victims after attempted plane crash
Six weeks after an Omani pilot allegedly tried to crash a Flydubai jet at Ben Gurion Airport, Israel formally designates the incident a terrorist attack; passengers and captain helped save all 174 aboard
A six-week update from Israel’s Defense Ministry confirms that passengers on the flydubai flight bound for Israel have been officially recognized as victims of hostile acts, following an investigation into the attempted attack.
The ministry stated that the act was classified as terrorism after receiving confirmation from authorized investigative authorities in the State of Israel. The decision has been forwarded to the National Insurance Institute for contact and processing with those affected.
Flydubai had contacted the passengers involved about two weeks after the incident, noting the hijacking and attempted crash by a pilot employed by the airline. The airline's communication did not mention compensation related to the ordeal.
The flight carried 174 passengers. Investigators reported that the attacker intended to crash the aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport, and that he had previously traveled to Israel and become radicalized elsewhere, with the investigation tying his background to his actions on the flight.