The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Oman had banned him from flying over concerns about radical ideological views, but Flydubai subsequently hired him and assigned him to routes including Dubai to Tel Aviv. He had worked at Flydubai for about eight months, Israel's Channel 16 reported. Whether Oman shared its concerns with the UAE or Flydubai remains unclear.
Passengers and crew subdued the suspect during the Sept. 30 flight, and a reserve pilot crew landed the aircraft safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The suspect has since been transferred to the UAE, which is leading an investigation into his motives, possible terrorist links and whether others directed him. Israeli investigators will question him, Reuters reported. Flydubai has suspended Tel Aviv operations until further notice.