Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Australia Probes Flydubai Co-Pilot’s Links After Alleged Flight Attack
A Flydubai plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
The co-pilot is accused of stabbing the captain and trying to take control of the plane.
Passengers and crew stopped him.
A reserve crew landed the plane in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The co-pilot was detained and later transferred to the UAE.
Investigators in the UAE are trying to find out what happened and why.
Australian agencies are also checking his connections to Australia.
He reportedly studied there from 2015 to 2017, and his student visa was cancelled in 2019.
Israeli investigators are expected to take part in the UAE-led inquiry.
Australian agencies, including the AFP and ASIO, are investigating the co-pilot’s links to Australia.
The co-pilot reportedly studied in Australia from 2015 until leaving in 2017; his student visa was cancelled in 2019.
On September 30, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and tried to take control of flight FZ1073.
Passengers and crew subdued him, and a reserve Flydubai crew landed the aircraft at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.
The UAE-led investigation is examining the incident, the co-pilot’s motives and background, and whether others directed or planned it.
- Who
- The Flydubai co-pilot, the captain, passengers and crew, and investigators from the UAE, Israel and Australia.
- What
- The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and tried to take control of flight FZ1073; agencies are investigating the incident and his background.
- When
- The alleged attack took place on September 30; the report was published October 4, 2026.
- Where
- Aboard flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv; it landed at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Investigators are seeking to establish the circumstances and motive, including whether the incident involved terrorist activity, prior planning or direction.
- Flight
- Flydubai flight FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Incident date
- September 30
- Passengers and crew
- More than 170
- Landing location
- Tabuk airport, northwestern Saudi Arabia
- Reported Australian stay
- The co-pilot reportedly studied in Australia from 2015 until leaving in 2017.
- Visa
- His Australian student visa was reportedly cancelled in 2019 after authorities confirmed he was no longer enrolled.
- Investigating agencies
- The UAE is leading the probe, with Australian agencies including the AFP and ASIO investigating his Australian links; Israeli investigators are expected to participate.