Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Flydubai Cockpit Attack Probe Leaves Terrorism Motive Unresolved
A Flydubai plane was flying to Tel Aviv when its co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain.
The plane began to descend sharply while it was over Saudi Arabia.
Passengers and crew helped stop the attack.
The plane landed safely in the Saudi city of Tabuk.
The captain was badly hurt and is recovering in Abu Dhabi.
Investigators from the UAE are leading the case, with Saudi and Israeli investigators also involved.
They are trying to learn why the co-pilot attacked the captain.
Some officials have called it terrorism, but the investigation has not confirmed that.
Investigators have also not confirmed any connection to Iran or to other people.
On September 30, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 while the Boeing 737 was over Saudi Arabia.
The aircraft entered a steep descent, then diverted to Tabuk and landed safely after passengers and crew intervened.
The UAE is leading the formal investigation; Saudi Arabia conducted preliminary inquiries, and Israeli investigators are also involved.
Investigators are examining whether the attack was terrorism, a planned attempt to bring down the plane, or an individual act.
Officials have raised possible Islamist radicalisation and Iranian involvement, but no motive or outside link has been publicly established.
- Who
- The co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073; passengers and crew intervened.
- What
- An alleged cockpit attack caused the aircraft to enter a steep descent before it diverted and landed safely.
- When
- September 30; the article was published October 3, 2026.
- Where
- The attack occurred while the aircraft was over Saudi Arabia; it landed in Tabuk, and the captain was transferred to Abu Dhabi.
- Why
- The motive has not been established. Investigators are examining terrorism, prior planning, outside direction, and the possibility that the co-pilot acted alone.
Terrorism or outside involvement
Individual act or unresolved motive
Whether the attack was terrorism
Terrorism or outside involvement
Israeli officials and senior UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash described the incident as terrorism or an attempted terror attack; Israeli officials have suggested Islamist radicalisation.
Individual act or unresolved motive
The formal investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not confirmed a terrorist motive. The article says a personal crisis or an individual act is also being considered.
Possible Iranian or other direction
Terrorism or outside involvement
US President Donald Trump raised the possibility of Iranian involvement, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said investigators were examining whether the co-pilot acted under someone else's direction.
Individual act or unresolved motive
No public evidence has established Iranian involvement or outside direction, and investigators have not announced a confirmed link.
- Flight
- Flydubai Flight FZ1073, bound for Tel Aviv
- Aircraft
- Boeing 737
- People aboard
- More than 170
- Incident date
- September 30
- Emergency landing
- Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Investigation lead
- The UAE is leading the formal investigation
- Captain
- Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, was injured and is recovering in Abu Dhabi
- Status
- No final finding on motive or outside involvement has been announced