Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Flydubai Co-Pilot Handed to UAE After Midair Cockpit Attack
An Omani co-pilot is accused of attacking the captain on a flydubai airplane.
The plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people aboard.
The co-pilot allegedly stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar and tried to take control.
The airplane dropped thousands of feet while the attack was happening.
The captain opened the cockpit door so passengers and crew could help.
They restrained the co-pilot using cords and plastic cuffs.
Other pilots then landed the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia transferred the suspect to the United Arab Emirates because the plane is registered there.
Investigators are still trying to learn whether the incident involved terrorism, mental-health problems, radicalization, or outside direction.
Saudi Arabia transferred the Omani flydubai co-pilot to the UAE for investigation.
The co-pilot allegedly stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar aboard flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The aircraft reportedly plunged 16,625 feet in about 30 seconds before passengers and crew restrained the suspect.
Reserve pilots landed the aircraft safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; all 174 people aboard survived.
Investigators are examining terrorism, radicalization, mental-health issues, prior planning, accomplices, and possible Iranian links.
- Who
- An Omani flydubai co-pilot allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar; UAE and Israeli investigators are examining the incident.
- What
- The co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to take control of a commercial aircraft.
- When
- The incident occurred on Wednesday, and the co-pilot was transferred to the UAE on Thursday; the reports identify the date as October 2.
- Where
- Flight FZ1073 was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv before landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; the UAE is leading the investigation.
- Why
- Authorities are investigating the co-pilot’s motive and whether the attack involved terrorism, prior planning, outside direction, or other causes.
Deliberate Radicalized Attack Possible
Motive and Outside Links Remain Unconfirmed
Radicalization and intent
Deliberate Radicalized Attack Possible
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot underwent Islamist radical indoctrination, appeared suicidal, and may have intended to crash the aircraft. An Israeli official said social-media material attributed to him allegedly indicated jihadist radicalization.
Motive and Outside Links Remain Unconfirmed
The UAE and other investigators said the inquiry remains in its early stages and that mental-health issues and other explanations have not been ruled out. A final motive has not been established.
Possible Iranian connection
Deliberate Radicalized Attack Possible
U.S. President Donald Trump said preliminary information suggested a possible link between the co-pilot and Iran, including a possible role for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Motive and Outside Links Remain Unconfirmed
Trump described the information as preliminary, and Netanyahu previously said it was too early to confirm an Iranian connection. No confirmed link is reported.
Nature of the incident
Deliberate Radicalized Attack Possible
The alleged stabbing, attempted cockpit takeover, aircraft plunge, and reported statements by the suspect are being investigated as signs of a possible attempt to bring down the plane.
Motive and Outside Links Remain Unconfirmed
Authorities have not made a final determination that the incident was terrorism or confirmed that the co-pilot acted under anyone’s direction.
- Flight
- flydubai FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- People aboard
- 174 passengers and crew; all survived
- Aircraft altitude and plunge
- The aircraft was cruising around 33,000 feet and reportedly descended 16,625 feet in just over 30 seconds
- Emergency landing
- Tabuk airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia
- Captain
- Indian national Smit Machchhar; injured, out of danger, and under observation in Abu Dhabi
- Investigation lead
- The UAE took charge because the aircraft is registered there; Israeli investigators are expected to participate
