Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Trump Says Iran Link Possible in FlyDubai Cockpit Attack
An Omani pilot is accused of attacking the co-pilot during a FlyDubai flight.
The co-pilot was Captain Smit Machchhar from India.
The plane had 174 people on board and was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The pilot allegedly tried to take control of the plane.
Machchhar and some passengers helped stop the situation from becoming a disaster.
The plane landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Donald Trump said investigators are checking whether Iran might be connected to the incident.
He also said they are considering whether the pilot was placed on the flight by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard or became radicalized in another way.
Donald Trump said investigators are considering whether Iran could be linked to the Omani pilot accused of attacking a FlyDubai flight.
The pilot allegedly stabbed Indian co-pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and tried to take control of the aircraft.
Trump said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could potentially have placed the pilot on the flight, though the investigation remains ongoing.
The Dubai-Tel Aviv flight carried 174 people, mostly Israelis, according to the report.
The aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia and made an emergency landing in Tabuk before passengers returned to Tel Aviv.
- Who
- Donald Trump, the Omani pilot accused in the attack, Indian co-pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, and passengers aboard the FlyDubai flight.
- What
- An Omani pilot allegedly stabbed the co-pilot and attempted to take control of a flight carrying 174 people.
- When
- The remarks and report were published on October 1, 2026; the flight incident occurred before the ongoing investigation described in the report.
- Where
- The incident occurred aboard a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight; the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The motive and any possible Iranian connection remain under investigation.
Possible Iranian Involvement
Alternative Explanation
Cause of the pilot's actions
Possible Iranian Involvement
Donald Trump said an Iranian connection was being considered and that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could have placed the pilot on the flight.
Alternative Explanation
Trump also acknowledged that the pilot may instead have been radicalized through another route; no connection has been established because the investigation is ongoing.
- Flight route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- People aboard
- 174
- Suspect
- An Omani pilot
- Reported victim
- Indian co-pilot Captain Smit Machchhar
- Possible connection
- Investigators are considering whether Iran or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could be linked to the incident.
- Emergency landing
- Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Passenger outcome
- Passengers were later flown back to Tel Aviv on an emergency flight.