Archive · 4 Oct 2026
UAE Hails Flydubai Captain After Co-Pilot Axe Attack
A Flydubai plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with an axe.
The plane suddenly dropped a great deal in the sky.
Machchhar was badly hurt, but he opened the cockpit door.
Passengers and crew then helped overpower the co-pilot.
A reserve pilot took control of the plane and landed it safely in Saudi Arabia.
UAE officials called the attack an attempted terrorist act.
The co-pilot was identified by news reports as an Omani national, though authorities and the airline did not publicly name him.
Investigators are still trying to understand what happened and why.
UAE prosecutors said the co-pilot attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe and tried to take control of Flight FZ1073.
The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30; reports put the number aboard at more than 170, with figures of 174 and 182 also reported.
Flight-tracking data cited in reports showed the aircraft losing roughly 14,000 to 16,625 feet in about 30 seconds.
Passengers and crew subdued the co-pilot; a reserve pilot took control and landed the plane at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.
The UAE is leading an investigation with Israeli participation; the co-pilot’s motive and how he was assigned to the flight remain under investigation.
- Who
- Captain Smit Machchhar, the co-pilot, passengers and crew, and a reserve pilot aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073.
- What
- The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a crash axe and tried to take control of the aircraft.
- When
- September 30; UAE officials discussed the incident on October 3.
- Where
- The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and made an emergency landing at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The motive and circumstances are under investigation.
Terrorism and attempted crash
Motive and circumstances unresolved
How officials characterized the incident
Terrorism and attempted crash
UAE prosecutors and adviser Anwar Gargash described the attack as an attempted or dangerous terrorist act; Israeli officials said it appeared to be an attempt to crash the plane.
Motive and circumstances unresolved
The UAE and airline said the circumstances remained under investigation. The co-pilot’s motive and whether anyone directed him have not been established in the reports.
- Flight
- Flydubai Flight FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- People aboard
- More than 170; reports cited totals of 174 and 182
- Captain
- Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot
- Reported descent
- About 14,000 to 16,625 feet in roughly 30 seconds, according to reports citing tracking data
- Landing
- Tabuk airport, Saudi Arabia; a reserve pilot landed the aircraft
- Investigation
- Led by the UAE, with Israeli investigators participating
- Co-pilot identification
- Reuters sources identified him as Omani national Hammam al-Hammami; authorities and Flydubai had not publicly named him
