Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Flydubai Co-Pilot Faces UAE Probe After Saudi Investigation
A Flydubai plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a fight happened in the cockpit.
Reports say the co-pilot stabbed the captain and may have tried to crash the plane.
The injured captain opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to help.
The plane then landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Saudi officials investigated the incident first.
Later reports said the captain and co-pilot traveled to Abu Dhabi with Emirati security officers.
The United Arab Emirates opened another investigation.
Investigators are checking whether the attack was an individual act or connected to terrorism or prior planning.
The reports do not yet establish a motive.
Flydubai Flight FZ1073 was diverted to Tabuk after the co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar in the cockpit.
Passengers and crew intervened after Machchhar, despite being injured, unlocked the cockpit door; the Boeing 737 landed safely.
Saudi Arabia conducted an initial investigation, with later reports saying the co-pilot and captain left for Abu Dhabi with Emirati security personnel.
The UAE opened a specialised investigation into the incident’s causes, motives, possible terrorist intent, prior planning, and outside coordination.
Reports differ on timing: some said the co-pilot would be transferred after the Saudi probe, while a later report said the transfer had occurred.
- Who
- The Omani co-pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, passengers and crew, and investigators in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
- What
- An alleged cockpit attack and attempted takeover aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 led to an emergency diversion and investigations.
- When
- The incident occurred on a Wednesday before reports published on October 2, 2026; the transfer to Abu Dhabi was reported the following morning.
- Where
- The flight traveled from Dubai toward Tel Aviv and landed at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia; the crew later traveled to Abu Dhabi.
- Why
- Authorities are investigating the sequence of events, the co-pilot’s motive, and possible terrorist intent, prior planning, or outside coordination.
Possible Isolated Incident
Possible Terrorist or Planned Attack
Nature of the incident
Possible Isolated Incident
Flydubai said the reasons for the altercation were not yet known, and UAE authorities said a motive had not been established.
Possible Terrorist or Planned Attack
The UAE is investigating whether the incident involved terrorist activity, prior planning, or an organized plot.
Potential external involvement
Possible Isolated Incident
No external direction or involvement has been established in the reports.
Possible Terrorist or Planned Attack
Investigators will examine whether the alleged attack was directed or coordinated by others; Israeli officials said it was too early to determine whether Iran was involved.
Characterization by officials
Possible Isolated Incident
Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation remains incomplete.
Possible Terrorist or Planned Attack
Israeli officials described the incident as a possible attempted terrorist attack, while Benjamin Netanyahu referred to alleged Islamist radical indoctrination and a possible suicidal statement by the co-pilot.
- Flight
- Flydubai Flight FZ1073
- Aircraft
- Boeing 737
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Emergency landing
- Tabuk Airport, Saudi Arabia
- Passengers
- 174 people, including 166 reportedly Israeli nationals
- Initial finding
- Saudi Arabia said its initial investigation found that the co-pilot attacked the captain
- UAE investigation
- The UAE is examining the causes, motives, possible terrorist activity, prior planning, and coordination by others
- Transfer status
- A later report said the captain and co-pilot left Saudi Arabia for Abu Dhabi with an Emirati security team
Sources
Omani Co-Pilot Of Flydubai Flight To Be Handed Over To UAE After Preliminary Probe In Saudi Arabia
Omani Flydubai Co-Pilot To Be Handed Over To UAE After Saudi Probe; Terror Link Under Scanner
Terror Link In Flydubai Cockpit Attack? Omani Co-Pilot To Face UAE Probe After Saudi Investigation