2 hrs ago
Iran Rejects Claims Linking Tehran to Flydubai Cockpit Attack
A serious incident happened on a Flydubai flight on September 30.
The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and tried to take control of the plane.
The aircraft dropped quickly, and passengers and other pilots helped restrain the co-pilot and stabilize the flight.
The plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
UAE officials said they were investigating the incident as an attempted terrorist act.
Iran’s spokesperson denied that Iran was involved and called the accusations fabricated.
He said the claims were meant to distract people from other issues, including Gaza.
Investigators were still working to find the motive and determine whether anyone else was connected.
Iranian spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei rejected allegations linking Tehran to the Flydubai incident, calling them false-flag claims based on fabricated evidence.
On September 30, the co-pilot of flight FZ1073 allegedly attacked the captain with a crash axe and tried to take control of the aircraft.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8, carrying 182 people, descended more than 16,000 feet in about 30 seconds, according to flight data reviewed by Reuters.
Passengers intervened, and the aircraft diverted from its Dubai-to-Tel Aviv route for an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The UAE said it was investigating an attempted terrorist act; the motive and any links to other parties remained unconfirmed.
- Who
- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei rejected allegations linking Iran to the incident; UAE authorities are investigating the co-pilot’s actions.
- What
- Iran denied involvement in a Flydubai cockpit attack that UAE authorities described as an attempted terrorist act.
- Where
- Aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv; the aircraft diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- When
- The flight incident occurred on September 30, 2026; Baqaei made his remarks on Sunday, October 4.
- Why
- Baqaei said the allegations were fabricated and intended to divert attention from Gaza and actions against Iran. Investigators had not established a motive for the attack.
Iran’s position
UAE investigation
Possible Iranian connection
Iran’s position
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei called allegations linking Tehran to the incident a false-flag operation based on fabricated evidence.
UAE investigation
UAE authorities said they were investigating the incident, including its motive and possible links to other parties; the article reports no confirmed Iranian connection.
How the incident is characterized
Iran’s position
Baqaei rejected the allegations against Iran and said they were intended to portray the country as a threat and divert attention from Gaza and actions against Iran.
UAE investigation
UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said investigators found the co-pilot attempted to carry out a terrorist act.
Key facts
- Flight
- Flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Incident date
- September 30, 2026
- Aircraft and passengers
- Boeing 737 MAX 8 carrying 182 people
- Reported attack
- The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a crash axe and attempted to take control
- Flight diversion
- The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- UAE assessment
- The UAE Attorney-General said investigators found an attempted terrorist act
- Iran’s response
- Esmaeil Baqaei called claims linking Iran to the incident false-flag allegations based on fabricated evidence
- Investigation status
- Investigations continued; the motive and any links to other parties remained under examination
Quotes
Esmaeil Baqaei
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson
“This is merely a reminder of an experience that the world has witnessed for itself over the past seven months.”
republicworld.com
“This is a worn-out tactic.”
republicworld.com










