Archive · 2 Oct 2026
UAE Probes Possible Terror Link in Flydubai Cockpit Attack
A plane flying from Dubai to Israel suddenly began falling very quickly.
The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and may have tried to crash the plane.
The injured captain opened the cockpit door so other people could help.
Passengers and reserve crew members restrained the alleged attacker and helped control the aircraft.
The plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia instead of continuing directly to Israel.
Everyone on board was reported safe.
Israel suspects the incident may have been a terrorist attack, while investigators say the motive is still unknown.
They are also checking whether the co-pilot acted alone or had help.
The UAE is leading the investigation because the aircraft is registered there, while Israel is participating.
Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft.
Captain Smit Machchhar reportedly unlocked the cockpit door despite his injuries, allowing passengers and reserve crew members to restrain the alleged attacker.
Reports differ on the aircraft’s descent, estimating a loss of roughly 14,000 to 17,000 feet in less than 30 seconds to about one minute.
All 174 passengers were reported safe, and a replacement flydubai aircraft later carried them from Saudi Arabia to Israel.
The UAE and Israel are investigating possible terrorism, planning, direction and accomplices, but officials say no motive or Iranian involvement has been established.
- Who
- Passengers and crew on flydubai Flight FZ1073, including Captain Smit Machchhar and the alleged co-pilot attacker, were involved; UAE, Israeli and Saudi authorities are investigating.
- What
- An alleged cockpit assault caused a steep descent and an emergency diversion before passengers and crew subdued the attacker and helped land the aircraft.
- When
- The incident occurred on Wednesday; the UAE and Israel announced or described investigations on Thursday.
- Where
- The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, with the incident occurring while it was over the region; it landed at Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, before passengers continued to Israel.
- Why
- Authorities are investigating the motive and whether the incident involved terrorism, prior planning, outside direction or accomplices; no definitive motive has been established.
Terrorist attack suspected
Motive remains unconfirmed
How to characterize the incident
Terrorist attack suspected
Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar and Defense Minister Israel Katz, described the incident as an attempted jihadist or terrorist attack aimed at passengers, Israel, the UAE and possibly their relationship under the Abraham Accords.
Motive remains unconfirmed
Other Israeli officials said no motive had been determined, an initial assessment suggested the co-pilot acted alone, and flydubai warned against premature speculation; Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said mental health could not be ruled out.
Possible wider network
Terrorist attack suspected
Investigators are examining whether the suspected attacker acted as part of a larger network or whether the incident involved prior planning, direction or accomplices; Israel said it would seek extradition of the alleged attacker.
Motive remains unconfirmed
No organization or mastermind has been identified, and Israeli officials said there was no evidence so far of Iranian involvement.
Investigation and jurisdiction
Terrorist attack suspected
Israel says its security and intelligence services are investigating because many passengers were Israeli and has said it will participate in the inquiry.
Motive remains unconfirmed
The UAE says it will lead because the aircraft is UAE-registered and operates under its flag, meaning UAE law applies to crimes committed aboard it, including outside UAE territory.
- Flight
- flydubai Flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv
- People aboard
- 174 passengers were reported aboard; media reports said 166 were Israeli, while another Israeli official referred to more than 120 Israeli passengers
- Reported descent
- Sources estimated a loss of approximately 14,000 to 17,000 feet, with differing accounts of how long it took
- Emergency landing
- Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Captain
- Indian national Smit Machchhar was injured and later received treatment in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi
- Investigation
- The UAE is examining the circumstances, motive and possible terrorist activity, planning or direction; Israel is also investigating
- Flight status
- flydubai suspended or cancelled flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv during the investigation
Sources
'Jihadist Terror Attempt': Israel Seeks flydubai Omani Pilot's Extradition
Israel Vows To Get to Root of Flydubai Attack, No Motive yet Determined
UAE Probes Possible Terror Link in Attack on Flight to Israel
