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[INTERNATIONAL] · United States, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Oman, Saudi Arabia · 3 sources

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Medical aircraft disappears off Massachusetts coast; Flydubai security breach investigated

A Gulfstream medical transport aircraft operated by Latitude Air Ambulance has disappeared off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts. The flight departed from LF Wade International Airport in Bermuda, bound for Boston. Radar data indicated the aircraft experienced sudden altitude fluctuations, dropping from approximately 23,950 feet to 12,998 feet in just two minutes before losing all contact. The US Coast Guard and aviation authorities have launched a large-scale search and rescue operation in the area.

Separately, an investigation into a violent incident on a Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 flight from Dubai to Israel has identified security lapses. During the flight, a co-pilot attacked the captain with an emergency axe, causing the aircraft to descend at dangerous speeds. The captain managed to unlock the cockpit, allowing passengers and crew to subdue the attacker. The plane eventually landed safely in Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate the attacker had previously worked for Oman Air, where authorities had noted concerns regarding his extremist ideologies, but these warnings were not effectively communicated to Flydubai during the hiring process.

Entities

Federal Aviation Administration · Flydubai · Latitude Air Ambulance · Oman Air · US Coast Guard