Flydubai Co-Pilot Stabs Captain in Attempted Crash on Tel Aviv Flight
Passengers and crew on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv subdued an attacker after a pilot was stabbed, forcing an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
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- Headline: Flydubai Co-Pilot Stabs Captain in Attempted Crash on Tel Aviv Flight
- Dispatch Summary: Passengers and crew on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv subdued an attacker after a pilot was stabbed, forcing an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
- Verification: Corroborated across independent reporting outlets with primary sources and real-time wire transmissions.
Emergency Landing Follows In-Flight Stabbing and Cockpit Struggle
A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a pilot stabbed another pilot and allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft, according to Israeli officials. The Boeing 737 Max 8, carrying 174 passengers including 27 children, made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, after a violent altercation in the cockpit. All passengers and crew survived, though the captain sustained injuries and the co-pilot was detained by Saudi authorities. The incident unfolded shortly after takeoff from Dubai at 7:05 a.m. local time (5:05 a.m. Italian time). Flight data indicated the aircraft lost 14,125 feet in 29 seconds, triggering an emergency alert. Saudi radar detected the plane transmitting emergency codes, including 7500, which signals a possible hijacking. The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport by 10:45 a.m. local time, with passengers later returning to Tel Aviv via a chartered flight.| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Flight Number | FZ1073 |
| Passengers | 174 (including 27 children) |
| Injuries | Captain stabbed; co-pilot detained; one passenger with chest injury |
| Emergency Codes | 7700 (general emergency), 7500 (hijacking) |
| Descent | 14,125 feet in 29 seconds |
Passengers Subdue Attacker, Captain’s Heroism Cited
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised passengers and crew for their "extraordinary presence of mind" in averting a disaster. A passenger identified as Yaniv Hayun described entering the cockpit and subduing the attacker, who was later identified as an Omani national. Hayun told Netanyahu that the assailant was "trying to destroy the controls" to disable the plane. Another passenger, Miriam Ohayon, reported hearing screams and seeing blood in the cockpit before passengers restrained the attacker. The injured captain, Indian national Smit Machchhar, was credited with opening the cockpit door to allow passengers to intervene. Netanyahu called Machchhar a "hero" for his actions despite being stabbed. According to the Times of India, Machchhar was in stable condition in a Saudi hospital, while the Omani suspect remained in custody. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the incident as an "attempted jihadist terrorist attack," though no group claimed responsibility.Flight Data and Emergency Response
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the plane descending 14,125 feet in 29 seconds, prompting panic among passengers. A 17-year-old student, Aviatar Alevi, recounted hearing screams and feeling the plane "plunge" as it neared the ground. Another passenger, Motti Cohen Or, described hearing a woman shout about a stabbing in the cockpit before the aircraft began its rapid descent. Saudi authorities confirmed the emergency landing and initiated an investigation. Flydubai stated the incident involved an "altercation in the flight deck," with no injuries reported to passengers. The airline suspended all flights to and from Israel pending further inquiry. A second flight was dispatched to transport passengers back to Tel Aviv, where they were reunited with family members.Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the motive behind the pilot’s actions?
Israeli officials have not confirmed the motive, but Defense Minister Israel Katz described the incident as an "attempted jihadist terrorist attack." The Omani suspect is under investigation, though no group has claimed responsibility.
How did passengers prevent the crash?
Passengers and crew subdued the attacker in the cockpit, with one passenger entering the cockpit and restraining the assailant. The injured captain, Smit Machchhar, opened the cockpit door, enabling others to intervene and regain control of the aircraft.
Were there any casualties?
No passengers or crew died, though the captain was stabbed and the co-pilot was detained. One passenger sustained a "mild" chest injury, and the pilot remained in stable condition in a Saudi hospital.
Unresolved Questions and Next Steps
The incident has raised questions about aviation security and the potential for insider threats. Saudi and Israeli authorities are investigating the Omani pilot’s background, with reports citing colleagues describing him as a "religious extremist." Flydubai has urged caution, stating the "causes and circumstances" remain under official review. The airline has temporarily suspended flights to Israel, while Israeli officials continue to assess whether the attack was linked to broader terrorist networks. A formal investigation is expected to determine the exact sequence of events and the attacker’s motivations.
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