A Flydubai co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to hijack Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, 2026, before passengers intervened and the plane landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The attacker, an Omani national, was taken into custody by Saudi authorities, while the injured captain, Indian national Captain Smit Machchhar, was hospitalized in stable condition. All 174 passengers and crew survived the incident, which Israeli authorities are investigating as a suspected terror attack.
Passengers subdued attacker as plane plunged 14,000 feet
The confrontation began approximately two hours into the flight, when the co-pilot reportedly stabbed the captain in the cockpit. The wounded captain, despite severe injuries, managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to enter. Witnesses described a violent struggle as the plane rapidly descended, with some passengers using charging cables to restrain the attacker. An off-duty British pilot aboard the flight assisted in regaining control, while the aircraft was ultimately landed safely by off-duty Flydubai pilots who took over the controls.
Israeli officials confirm terror investigation; attacker’s motive unclear
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the incident was being treated as an attempted hijacking and terror attack, citing the deliberate nature of the assault. Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed the plane’s diversion to Tabuk, where the attacker was detained. The Indian embassy in Riyadh reported that Captain Machchhar was receiving medical treatment for stab wounds.
Flydubai issued a statement acknowledging an altercation on the flight deck but declined to comment further, stating that the motives and underlying circumstances remain under investigation. The airline added that it was cooperating fully with authorities.
Questions raised over attacker’s clearance for Israel-bound flight
Reports from Israeli and international media cited a fellow pilot who described the Omani co-pilot as displaying unusually strict religious behavior, including excessive praying and refusing handshakes with women. The same source reportedly expressed concern over how the attacker was assigned to a flight to Israel, given that Oman does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. Flydubai has not addressed these claims.
The United Arab Emirates, where Flydubai is based, has not publicly commented on the incident. However, Israeli officials have indicated that they will review security protocols for flights to Israel, including crew vetting procedures.
Heroism praised as passengers and crew prevented disaster
Multiple passengers were credited with helping to subdue the attacker, including Yaniv Chayon, who broke into the cockpit and assisted in restraining the assailant. Prime Minister Netanyahu met with Chayon, calling his actions “unbelievable courage” and stating that he had prevented a catastrophic mid-air disaster. Netanyahu also praised Captain Machchhar as a “true hero” for his role in saving lives despite his injuries.
Trump, Netanyahu discuss incident; attacker’s possible terror ties examined
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Netanyahu about the incident, describing the co-pilot as “perhaps a terrorist” and praising the “most amazing story” of the rescue. Trump recounted how the wounded captain opened the cockpit door before passengers overpowered the attacker as the plane descended. The White House has not issued further statements.
Saudi Arabia holds attacker; investigations ongoing
Saudi authorities have not disclosed additional details about the attacker’s identity or motives. The Omani government has not publicly commented on the incident. Israeli security officials stated that they are coordinating with Saudi and Omani authorities as the investigation continues.
Timeline of Key Events
- September 30, 2026, ~09:30 UTC: Flydubai Flight FZ1073 departs Dubai International Airport en route to Tel Aviv.
- ~11:30 UTC: Approximately two hours into the flight, a co-pilot allegedly stabs the captain in the cockpit.
- ~11:35 UTC: The wounded captain unlocks the cockpit door; passengers and crew enter and subdue the attacker.
- ~11:40 UTC: The plane begins a rapid descent, plunging 14,000 feet in 29 seconds before stabilizing.
- ~12:00 UTC: Off-duty Flydubai pilots take control and land the aircraft safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- ~12:30 UTC: Saudi authorities detain the attacker; injured captain hospitalized.
- Afternoon: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and U.S. President Trump discuss the incident.