By TheDailyNewsHub News Desk | October 1, 2026
Israeli authorities are investigating a suspected attempt to bring down a passenger aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv after one of its pilots allegedly stabbed his colleague and tried to interfere with the plane’s controls during flight.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 30, aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was carrying 174 people from the United Arab Emirates to Israel. The aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, north-western Saudi Arabia, after an onboard confrontation involving the pilots.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the incident as an attempted jihadist terror attack, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot had apparently tried to crash the aircraft with everyone on board.
However, the motive behind the incident has not been established, and investigators are still examining what happened and whether the attack was connected to terrorism or any wider operation.
According to accounts reported by Reuters and The Associated Press, the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain inside the cockpit, leaving him seriously injured. The aircraft subsequently experienced a steep and dangerous descent, prompting passengers and other crew members to intervene.
The injured captain, identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar, reportedly managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries. This allowed passengers and a crew member to enter and overpower the alleged attacker.
A reserve flight crew member travelling aboard the aircraft subsequently helped stabilise the plane and bring it to a safe landing in Tabuk.
Netanyahu praised the passengers and crew members who intervened, saying their actions prevented what could have been a major disaster. He also said the suspect had been arrested and was being questioned by Saudi authorities.
The attacker has been identified by Israeli and regional sources as an Omani national, although his name has not been publicly released. Oman had not publicly commented on the reported identification as of Thursday.
The United Arab Emirates has also commenced an investigation into the incident. According to a statement reported by Reuters, UAE authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the attack, including whether it was connected to terrorist activity or involved prior planning or direction.
The UAE says its judicial authorities have jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered in the country and operates under its flag. Its laws therefore apply to offences committed aboard the aircraft, even when they occur outside UAE territory.
Saudi authorities are also involved in the investigation, with the suspect reportedly being held in the country following the emergency landing. The Associated Press reported that investigators from several countries, including Israel, the UAE, Oman and the United States, were involved in efforts to establish what happened and determine the motive.
The investigation is considering different possible explanations. The Associated Press reported that a regional official familiar with the inquiry said investigators were examining all possibilities, including terrorism and mental health-related factors. No definitive motive has been announced.
Flydubai confirmed that the aircraft had experienced an incident and landed safely in Tabuk. The airline said the reasons behind what happened remained unknown and cautioned against premature speculation while investigations continued.
The airline also announced the suspension of flights to and from Israel following the incident.
The attack has drawn attention to aviation security, particularly because it involved a member of the flight crew and occurred inside the cockpit of a commercial passenger aircraft.
Machchhar has received praise from Israeli and Indian officials for his reported actions during the emergency. Reuters reported that the Indian national was in hospital following the incident, with the Indian consulate in the UAE saying it had received an update on his condition and recovery.
While Israeli leaders have characterised the incident as a possible terrorist attack, the ongoing investigations will be crucial in establishing the suspect’s motive, the circumstances leading to the confrontation and whether anyone else was involved.