Archive · 2 Oct 2026
UAE Calls Flydubai Cockpit Attack Terrorist Act, Praises Pilot
A Flydubai plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain.
The captain, Smit Machchhar, was badly injured but fought back.
He opened the cockpit door so passengers and crew could help.
They restrained the co-pilot and helped the aircraft land safely in Saudi Arabia.
Reports said two off-duty pilots also helped operate the plane.
Machchhar was treated first in Saudi Arabia and then moved to the United Arab Emirates.
UAE official Anwar Gargash called the incident a terrorist act and praised Machchhar’s courage.
Investigators are still trying to learn why the attack happened.
Reports differ about the exact landing airport and whether 174 or 180 people were aboard.
UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash called the alleged Flydubai cockpit attack a “terrorist act” and praised Indian Captain Smit Machchhar as a hero.
The co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar aboard flight FZ1073 while it was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, 2026.
Despite serious injuries, Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to restrain the attacker and regain control.
The aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, with reports identifying Tabuk Airport or Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport.
Investigators are examining the co-pilot’s motive, possible extremist or terrorist links, prior planning and flight-recorder evidence, while officials warned against speculation.
- Who
- Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073; UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash later praised Machchhar.
- What
- An alleged in-flight cockpit stabbing and attempted hijacking forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing.
- When
- The incident occurred on September 30, 2026; Gargash made his comments on October 2, 2026.
- Where
- The flight traveled from Dubai to Tel Aviv and landed in Saudi Arabia; reports named Tabuk Airport or Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport.
- Why
- The motive and possible terrorist purpose remain under investigation, including whether the incident involved extremist beliefs, prior planning or direction.
Terrorist-Act Characterization
Formal Investigation Still Underway
How the incident should be described
Terrorist-Act Characterization
Anwar Gargash called the attack a terrorist act, while Israeli Consul General Yaniv Revach also described it as an act of terror. Some reports characterized it as an attempted hijacking or attempt to crash the aircraft.
Formal Investigation Still Underway
The investigation is still establishing the co-pilot’s motive, intent and possible links to terrorism, so the formal circumstances remain unresolved.
Possible extremist motive
Terrorist-Act Characterization
Reports citing investigative sources alleged that the Omani co-pilot possessed pro-Palestinian publications, expressed hostility toward Israel and may have undergone Islamist radicalization. Benjamin Netanyahu described the episode as appearing to be a suicidal attempt.
Formal Investigation Still Underway
Those details were attributed to officials, media reports or sources close to the investigation. Gargash warned against premature conclusions, simplistic explanations and conspiracy theories.
What happened during the emergency
Terrorist-Act Characterization
Reports said the aircraft descended sharply, transmitted hijacking or distress signals, and that the co-pilot tried to take control and bring down the plane.
Formal Investigation Still Underway
Investigators are reviewing cockpit voice and flight-data recordings to determine precisely what happened, including the meaning of the descent and signals.
- Flight
- Flydubai flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Aircraft
- A Boeing 737 carrying a reported 174 to 180 people
- Captain
- Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured and later transferred to the UAE for treatment
- Attack
- The co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar during an apparent attempt to take control of or crash the aircraft
- Emergency response
- Passengers and crew restrained the attacker after Machchhar opened the cockpit door; two off-duty pilots reportedly helped operate the plane
- Landing
- The aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia, with reports differing over the specific airport
- Investigation
- Authorities are examining the circumstances, motive, possible terrorist activity, prior planning and flight-recorder evidence
Sources
UAE official calls Flydubai incident a ‘terrorist act’, praises Indian captain
UAE calls flydubai hijack attempt ‘terrorism’, hails Indian pilot Smit Machchhar as ‘true hero’
Pilot averted potential catastrophe, says UAE top official as Trump sends Iran a warning
UAE President’s adviser praises Indian pilot for courage during ‘serious terrorist incident’
Flydubai cockpit stabbing a 'dangerous terror act': UAE official
UAE Calls Flydubai Incident ‘Terrorist Act’, Praises Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar
