Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Trump Suggests Iran Link to Flydubai Mid-Air Attack
A flydubai plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when its co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain.
The co-pilot also tried to interfere with the plane’s controls.
The captain, passengers, and crew worked together to restrain him.
The captain was reportedly stabbed or hit with an axe, though investigators have not described the weapon.
Reserve pilots helped land the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Donald Trump said the co-pilot might be connected to Iran based on information he had heard.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was too soon to prove that connection.
Netanyahu said the co-pilot appeared to have been influenced by Islamist ideas and may have been suicidal.
Investigators are still examining his motive, possible accomplices, and whether the incident involved terrorist activity.
Donald Trump said preliminary information suggested a possible Iranian link to the flydubai co-pilot, while investigations continue.
Benjamin Netanyahu said it was too early to determine whether the co-pilot had connections to Iran or any other organization.
The co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar and attempted to interfere with the aircraft’s controls during flight.
Passengers and crew restrained the co-pilot, allowing the aircraft to divert and land safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu said the Omani co-pilot appeared to have undergone Islamist radical indoctrination and may have been suicidal, but investigators have not established a motive.
- Who
- The flydubai co-pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, passengers, reserve pilots, Donald Trump, and Benjamin Netanyahu.
- What
- A co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to interfere with the controls of a flydubai aircraft.
- When
- The incident occurred on Wednesday; Trump and Netanyahu discussed possible links to Iran on Thursday.
- Where
- The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv before diverting and landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The motive remains undetermined; investigators are examining possible Islamist radicalization, Iranian connections, accomplices, and terrorist activity.
Possible Iranian Involvement
Insufficient Evidence
Connection to Iran
Possible Iranian Involvement
Donald Trump said the answer appeared to be yes based on what he was hearing and said the co-pilot could have been placed on the aircraft by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or radicalized through another route.
Insufficient Evidence
Benjamin Netanyahu said it was too early to determine whether the co-pilot had links to Iran or any other organization, and the reports said no official evidence had been publicly established.
Nature and motive of the attack
Possible Iranian Involvement
The alleged attack on the captain and attempted interference with the controls suggested a deliberate effort to bring down the aircraft; the United Arab Emirates was examining whether the violence was connected to terrorist activity.
Insufficient Evidence
Investigators had not determined the motive or established that the incident was directed by an organization, despite statements that the co-pilot appeared radicalized and suicidal.
- Flight
- flydubai flight FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Landing
- The aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Reported attacker
- The co-pilot, identified by officials as an Omani national
- Captain
- Smit Machchhar was attacked and later reported to be out of danger under medical observation in Abu Dhabi
- Possible Iran connection
- Trump suggested one may exist, but Netanyahu said there was not yet enough information to confirm it
- Investigation status
- Authorities are examining radicalization, motive, possible accomplices, prior planning, and potential terrorist activity
Sources
'Based On What I'm Hearing, Yes': Trump Links Flydubai Co-Pilot Who Stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar To Iran
US President Donald Trump Hints At Iran Role In Flydubai Mid-Air Attack; Benjamin Netanyahu Says 'Too Early To Draw Conclusions'
