Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Flydubai Co-Pilot Accused of Mid-Air Attack on Captain
A Flydubai plane was flying from Dubai toward Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain.
The plane quickly dropped thousands of feet, which caused a major emergency.
The injured captain managed to help open the cockpit door.
Passengers and other crew members entered and stopped the attacker.
Two other pilots helped control the aircraft.
The plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
All 180 people left the plane safely, although the captain was seriously hurt.
Investigators are checking whether the co-pilot was influenced by extremist ideas or had help from someone else.
They are also examining claims about possible links to Iran, but no such connection has been established in the reports.
An Omani Flydubai co-pilot allegedly stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar aboard a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight on September 30, 2026.
Investigators reportedly found “Free Palestine” leaflets and pro-Palestinian material among the co-pilot’s belongings.
The aircraft descended about 16,000 feet in two minutes before a hijacking distress signal was transmitted.
Crew members, passengers and two non-duty aviators restrained the co-pilot, allowing the plane to land safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Investigators are examining possible Islamist radicalisation, terrorist motives, independent action and potential links to Iran.
- Who
- An Omani Flydubai co-pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, flight crew members, passengers and two non-duty aviators were involved; Israeli, Emirati and Saudi authorities are investigating.
- What
- The co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to interfere with the aircraft’s controls, prompting a hijacking distress signal and emergency landing.
- When
- September 30, 2026; the aircraft was diverted during the flight, with subsequent investigations continuing afterward.
- Where
- The flight traveled from Dubai toward Tel Aviv and landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; the suspect was later transferred to the United Arab Emirates.
- Why
- Investigators are examining possible Islamist radicalisation, terrorist or suicidal motives, whether the co-pilot acted alone, and possible outside involvement.
Investigators and Israeli officials
Unresolved or more cautious assessments
Motive and radicalisation
Investigators and Israeli officials
Israeli officials and investigators said the co-pilot may have undergone Islamist radical indoctrination and described the incident as a possible jihadist terror attack or suicide attempt.
Unresolved or more cautious assessments
The reports say the investigation is still examining the motive, including whether the co-pilot acted independently; no final determination is presented.
Possible Iranian connection
Investigators and Israeli officials
Donald Trump said the co-pilot could have connections to Tehran, based on information he said he was hearing.
Unresolved or more cautious assessments
Benjamin Netanyahu said it was too early to determine whether Iran was involved, and the reports do not establish an Iranian connection.
Nature of the attempted attack
Investigators and Israeli officials
Israeli officials said the co-pilot appeared to be trying to destroy the aircraft’s controls and bring down the plane, potentially in a September 11-style attack.
Unresolved or more cautious assessments
The reports describe this as an investigative possibility and say authorities are still determining whether the incident was a planned attack or an act carried out alone.
- Flight route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Incident date
- September 30, 2026
- Aircraft response
- The plane descended approximately 16,000 feet within two minutes before a hijacking distress signal was sent.
- Emergency landing
- Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- People aboard
- 180 occupants
- Captain’s condition
- Captain Smit Machchhar was reported stable and recovering in a UAE hospital.
- Investigation focus
- Possible radicalisation, terrorist motives, independent action and potential Iranian involvement