Fly Dubai hijack attempt

'Free Palestine' found in pilot's belongings

Omani co-pilot from Fly Dubai flight had expressed support for Palestinians and hostility toward Israel multiple times, UAE source says; Israeli teams to join investigation next week

Gila Isaacson

OCT 2, 2026 10:30

2 min read

A source in the United Arab Emirates told i24NEWS on Friday that "Free Palestine" leaflets from various organisations were found among the belongings of the Omani co-pilot from the Fly Dubai flight. The pilot had expressed support for the Palestinians and hostility toward Israel on multiple occasions, the source said.

Saudi Arabia transferred the pilot to UAE custody on Thursday for further questioning. Israeli teams are expected to join the investigation next week in an effort to determine who was behind the attempted hijacking and whether additional attacks were planned.

US President Donald Trump said Thursday evening that there may be a connection between the Omani pilot from the Fly Dubai flight and Iran, though he added that the matter is still under investigation.

Asked by reporters whether the Omani co-pilot has ties to Iran, Trump said: "We're working on that right now. They're cooperating with us very transparently. From what I'm hearing, it looks like the answer is yes. But we're still checking into it."

Trump was then asked whether the United States would respond against Iran if it turns out Tehran was behind the attempted hijacking. He answered in the affirmative: "If that turns out to be true, they're going to be hit very hard. Don't worry." He also addressed ongoing negotiations with Tehran, saying: "Now I have to make a decision: either Iran signs the deal, or it won't exist anymore."