Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Flydubai Flight Diverts After Alleged Cockpit Axe Attack
A Flydubai airplane was traveling toward Israel when a pilot was allegedly attacked inside the cockpit.
The plane suddenly dropped thousands of feet and had to change course.
Reports first said a knife may have been used.
A later report said the alleged weapon was a crash axe kept inside the cockpit for emergencies.
The plane sent a mayday message and passengers were reportedly heard screaming.
It eventually landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
The co-pilot was reportedly arrested, but officials have not explained the motive.
Investigators are still trying to determine exactly what happened.
An alleged attack aboard a Flydubai flight caused a dangerous descent and diversion to Saudi Arabia.
Reports initially said the Omani co-pilot used a knife to attack Indian captain Smit Machchhar.
CBS News reported the alleged weapon may have been a cockpit crash axe, which Benjamin Netanyahu also identified.
The aircraft descended from about 33,000 to 17,000 feet in roughly one minute before landing in Tabuk.
The co-pilot’s identity and motive remain unclear, while authorities investigate and Flydubai suspended Israel flights.
- Who
- Indian captain Smit Machchhar and an Omani co-pilot were involved; the co-pilot is the alleged attacker.
- What
- An alleged cockpit attack reportedly injured the captain, triggered a steep descent, and forced the flight to divert.
- When
- About two and a half hours after the flight departed Dubai.
- Where
- A Flydubai flight bound for Israel diverted and landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, near the Jordanian border.
- Why
- The aircraft diverted after the alleged cockpit attack and emergency mayday call; the motive remains unknown.
- Airline
- Flydubai
- Reported weapon
- A cockpit crash axe, although initial reports mentioned a knife
- Captain
- Indian pilot Smit Machchhar
- Flight path
- The aircraft was flying from Dubai toward Israel
- Altitude change
- About 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet in roughly one minute
- Diversion airport
- Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Investigation status
- Authorities have released limited details; the co-pilot’s identity and motive remain unclear