Archive · 30 Sep 2026
Flydubai In-Flight Attack Revives Passengers’ Fears of 9/11
A flydubai plane had a frightening fight inside its cockpit.
One pilot allegedly attacked another pilot with a knife.
The plane briefly dived and spun, which scared many passengers.
Some passengers thought the plane might be getting hijacked.
They remembered the 9/11 attacks because those attacks involved hijacked airplanes.
Passengers and crew members helped stop the attacker.
The injured pilot was taken out of the cockpit, and other pilots took control.
The plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia, and the passengers continued to Tel Aviv.
Israeli authorities said the incident involved an attempted attack on the aircraft’s systems, not a confirmed hijacking.
Passengers on flydubai Flight FZ 1073 reported chaos after one pilot stabbed another during the flight.
Passenger Daniel said the aircraft briefly entered a steep dive and spin, prompting fears of a terrorist attack.
Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and subdued the alleged attacker, according to Israeli authorities.
Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed while trying to stop the pilot accused of attempting to sabotage the aircraft.
The plane landed safely at a Saudi airport, and passengers later traveled onward to Tel Aviv.
- Who
- Passengers, crew members, Captain Smit Machchhar, another pilot, and Israeli authorities were involved or provided accounts.
- What
- A pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed another pilot during a flight, while authorities said he tried to sabotage the aircraft’s systems.
- When
- During flydubai Flight FZ 1073; the articles do not provide a date.
- Where
- A flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which landed at a Saudi airport.
- Why
- The incident triggered fears of a hijacking because of the cockpit struggle, the aircraft’s steep dive and spin, and blood seen by passengers.
Passengers’ Perception
Authorities’ Account
Nature of the incident
Passengers’ Perception
Passengers described a chaotic cockpit fight, a steep dive, screams, blood, and fears that the flight was being hijacked in a 9/11-style attack.
Authorities’ Account
Israeli authorities said one pilot attempted to sabotage the aircraft’s systems and was subdued after attacking another pilot.
Extent of the threat
Passengers’ Perception
Passenger Daniel believed the aircraft’s movements meant a terrorist attack could be underway.
Authorities’ Account
The plane was brought under control by other pilots, landed safely, and the alleged attacker was arrested for questioning.
- Flight
- flydubai Flight FZ 1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Injured pilot
- Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot
- Reported aircraft movement
- A steep dive and intense spin during the confrontation
- Suspect
- A pilot accused by Israeli authorities of trying to sabotage the aircraft’s systems
- Outcome
- Passengers and crew subdued the attacker, and the aircraft landed safely at a Saudi airport
- Aftermath
- The suspect was arrested and questioned in Saudi custody, according to Benjamin Netanyahu