Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Netanyahu Says Israel May Join Probe Into Flydubai Attack
A Flydubai plane was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain.
The captain was seriously injured but managed to open the cockpit door.
Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and stopped the co-pilot.
The plane dropped almost 14,000 feet very quickly during the struggle.
Two other Flydubai pilots were aboard and helped land the plane safely in Saudi Arabia.
The passengers later reached Israel safely, according to Israeli officials.
Investigators are questioning the co-pilot and trying to understand why the attack happened.
They are also checking whether anyone else helped him.
Benjamin Netanyahu said it is too early to know whether Iran was connected, but Israel may join the investigation.
Benjamin Netanyahu said it was too early to determine whether Iran was involved in the Flydubai incident.
A co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain during Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The aircraft plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before passengers and crew overpowered the co-pilot.
A second pair of Flydubai pilots helped land the aircraft safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu said Israel may participate in the UAE-led investigation into the attack, its motive and possible accomplices.
- Who
- Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar, the co-pilot, passengers, crew members, additional pilots aboard the aircraft, and authorities in Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
- What
- A co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to crash an Israel-bound Flydubai flight before passengers, crew and other pilots intervened.
- When
- The incident occurred on September 30, 2026; Netanyahu’s comments were reported on September 30 and October 1, 2026.
- Where
- The flight traveled from Dubai toward Tel Aviv and was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; passengers later reached Israel.
- Why
- Authorities are investigating the attack’s motive, whether the co-pilot had accomplices and whether Iran was involved.
No Confirmed Iranian Link
Possible Iranian Role Under Investigation
Iranian involvement
No Confirmed Iranian Link
Netanyahu said it was too early to say whether Iran was involved and provided no evidence linking Iran to the incident.
Possible Iranian Role Under Investigation
Netanyahu said investigators would examine whether Iran was behind the attack, leaving that possibility open.
Cause and accomplices
No Confirmed Iranian Link
Flydubai said the underlying reasons remained unknown and warned against premature speculation.
Possible Iranian Role Under Investigation
Investigators are examining whether the co-pilot had accomplices and whether the attack was a deliberate attempt to crash the aircraft.
Israel’s participation
No Confirmed Iranian Link
The investigation remains led by authorities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where the co-pilot was being questioned or was expected to be transferred.
Possible Iranian Role Under Investigation
Netanyahu said Israel would follow and possibly participate in the investigation after speaking with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
- Flight
- Flydubai Flight FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Captain
- Indian captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured after being attacked and stabbed in the cockpit.
- Emergency descent
- The aircraft plunged nearly 14,000 feet, or 4,267 meters, in less than 30 seconds, according to Israeli officials.
- Emergency codes
- The aircraft transmitted code 7700 before switching to code 7500, associated with unlawful interference.
- Landing
- The aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with assistance from two other Flydubai pilots aboard.
- Investigation
- Netanyahu said Israel would follow and possibly participate in a UAE investigation.
