Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Israel Prepared to Shoot Down Flydubai Jet During Crisis
A Flydubai plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain.
The plane quickly lost a lot of altitude, and Israeli forces could not reach the cockpit by radio.
Israel sent fighter jets and prepared for the possibility that the plane had been hijacked.
Reports differ on how much altitude the plane lost.
The jets returned after the plane turned toward Saudi Arabia, which also reportedly sent jets.
Passengers and airline staff restrained the co-pilot, and two off-duty pilots helped take control.
The plane landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Reports say Israel’s prime minister would have had the authority to order the plane shot down as a last resort.
Investigations into the incident and the co-pilot’s alleged intentions were ongoing.
On September 30, Flydubai Flight 1073 was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar.
Reports say the plane lost about 14,000 feet; one report instead said it fell 16,000 feet in just over 30 seconds.
After attempts to contact the cockpit went unanswered, Israel reportedly closed its airspace, activated emergency procedures and scrambled fighter jets.
Israel recalled its jets when the plane turned toward Saudi Arabia; Saudi Arabia also reportedly scrambled aircraft.
The plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk after passengers and staff restrained the co-pilot and two off-duty pilots took control; reports say only Israel’s prime minister could authorize a shootdown.
- Who
- Flydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami, Captain Smit Machchhar, passengers and crew, and Israeli and Saudi authorities.
- What
- An alleged cockpit attack led Israel to scramble fighter jets and prepare for a possible shootdown if the flight continued toward Israel.
- When
- September 30; reports about the incident were published on October 5, 2026.
- Where
- The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- Israeli authorities reportedly feared the silent aircraft might have been hijacked and could crash into a high-value target.
Israeli security rationale
Passenger risk and scrutiny
Potential shootdown
Israeli security rationale
Israeli sources reportedly described shooting down the aircraft as a last resort if it appeared hijacked, remained silent and threatened a high-value target.
Passenger risk and scrutiny
The plane carried more than 150 Israeli passengers according to reports, so a shootdown would have endangered those aboard; the articles do not provide a direct response from critics of the policy.
Alleged security vetting failure
Israeli security rationale
Reports said Mossad and Shin Bet faced criticism over an alleged failure to properly vet the co-pilot.
Passenger risk and scrutiny
The reports said the agencies did not respond to the criticism.
- Flight
- Flydubai Flight 1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Incident date
- September 30, according to reports
- Reported altitude loss
- About 14,000 feet in several reports; another report said 16,000 feet in just over 30 seconds
- Israeli response
- Airspace closed, emergency procedures activated and fighter jets scrambled
- Saudi response and landing
- Saudi Arabia reportedly scrambled jets; the plane landed in Tabuk
- Shootdown authority
- Reports said only the Israeli prime minister could authorize a shootdown
- Investigation
- The co-pilot was questioned in Saudi Arabia and the UAE; reports said the investigation was ongoing
- Passenger count
- Reports described more than 150 Israeli passengers; one report said nearly 166
Sources
Israel nearly shot down Flydubai jet with 166 Israeli passengers aboard | GRAVITAS
Israel Was Prepared To Shoot Down Flydubai Plane With 150 Israelis Aboard After Cockpit Attack: Report
Israel was ready to shoot down Flydubai jet
Israel was prepared to shoot down Flydubai plane if it continued towards Tel Aviv: Report
