Archive · 3 Oct 2026
UAE Probes Possible Terror Link in Flydubai Cockpit Attack
A flydubai plane was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a serious fight reportedly happened in the cockpit.
Reports say the co-pilot stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar.
The plane then dropped quickly and had to change course.
Even though he was hurt, the captain reportedly opened the cockpit door.
Passengers and crew members entered and helped restrain the co-pilot.
Another pilot reportedly helped control the aircraft.
The plane landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
There were 174 passengers on board, including 27 children.
The UAE is investigating what happened and whether it was connected to terrorism, while officials are warning people not to spread unverified claims.
The UAE ordered a specialised criminal investigation into an alleged cockpit attack aboard flydubai flight FZ1073.
Reports say the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Indian captain Smit Machchhar during the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight.
The injured captain reportedly opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to restrain the co-pilot and secure the aircraft.
The plane descended rapidly, diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia and landed safely with 174 passengers, including 27 children.
Investigators will examine possible terrorist intent, prior planning or outside direction, while officials urged the public to rely on verified information.
- Who
- The UAE Public Prosecution, flydubai crew, passengers, Saudi authorities and the detained co-pilot are involved; reports identify the captain as Indian national Smit Machchhar and the co-pilot as an Omani national.
- What
- An alleged cockpit stabbing and attempted interference with the aircraft reportedly caused a rapid descent, diversion and emergency landing.
- When
- The incident occurred on a Wednesday, followed by the UAE investigation announcement on Thursday; some reports identify the dates as September 30 and October 1.
- Where
- The flight traveled from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv before diverting to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Authorities are investigating the circumstances, motive and any possible connection to terrorist activity, prior planning or outside direction.
Reported Attack Account
Officially Cautious Position
Nature of the incident
Reported Attack Account
Several reports said the co-pilot stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar and allegedly attempted to crash or seize control of the aircraft; passengers and crew then intervened.
Officially Cautious Position
Flydubai and UAE authorities initially described the event as an altercation in the flight deck and said the full circumstances remained under investigation.
Possible terrorist motive
Reported Attack Account
Some Israeli officials and reports characterized the episode as a suspected attempted terror attack or deliberate effort to crash the plane.
Officially Cautious Position
The UAE has not established a motive and is investigating whether terrorist intent, prior planning or outside direction was involved; Benjamin Netanyahu said it was too early to identify responsibility.
Investigation jurisdiction
Reported Attack Account
Reports said Saudi Arabia would conduct the initial investigation and that Israel could participate in questioning the suspect.
Officially Cautious Position
The UAE asserts jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered there and operates under its flag, while saying UAE law applies to crimes aboard it even outside UAE territory.
- Flight
- flydubai FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv
- Passengers
- 174, including 27 children
- Reported descent
- Approximately 14,000 to 17,000 feet in under two minutes
- Diversion airport
- Tabuk Airport, Saudi Arabia
- Investigation authority
- A specialised UAE Public Prosecution team, coordinating with the General Civil Aviation Authority and other agencies
- Custody
- The co-pilot was arrested and questioned by Saudi authorities
Sources
Israeli Diplomat Discusses Ongoing Investigation into Terror Attack on Aircraft | Raw Report
'UAE law applies': Abu Dhabi asserts jurisdiction over flydubai cockpit attack probe
UAE opens investigation into incident involving Dubai-Tel Aviv flydubai flight
UAE opens probe into incident aboard flydubai plane, people urged to avoid unverified information
UAE sets up special team to probe if flydubai hijack scare was a 'terror' plot
