Chronological coverage updated 2nd October 2026 00:27.
Update 1 · 2nd October 2026
UAE and Israel Investigate Flydubai Co-Pilot After In-Flight Attack Forced Emergency Landing
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have launched an investigation into potential terrorist activity following a violent in-flight assault aboard a flydubai flight bound for Israel. The incident occurred when the aircraft's co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the plane, prompting passengers and crew to intervene.
The flight was carrying 174 passengers, including 166 Israeli nationals, when the co-pilot initiated the attack as the aircraft approached its destination. Following a struggle inside the cockpit, the captain and passengers managed to overpower the suspect. The plane plummeted approximately 17,000 feet in one minute before being safely diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia for an emergency landing.
The flydubai flight carried 174 passengers, 166 of whom were Israeli citizens, and dropped roughly 17,000 feet in altitude within a single minute during the cockpit struggle..
Netanyahu Alleges Radicalisation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the flight's captain, Indian national Smit Machchhar, and the passengers for preventing a major disaster. Speaking in television interviews, Netanyahu alleged that the co-pilot had been radicalised prior to the flight and noted that the suspect made statements during the struggle indicating a suicidal intent.
France24 reportedly quoted Benjamin Netanyahu (Prime Minister of Israel) as saying: “We know that he underwent Islamist radical indoctrination”.
Transfer and Security Review
The Saudi interior ministry confirmed that the co-pilot, identified as an Omani national, was handed over to an Emirati security team and transferred to the UAE for questioning. UAE prosecutors said their inquiry is actively examining whether the suspect acted with terrorist intent or links.
The incident has prompted Israeli officials to question safety protocols surrounding flight personnel operating routes into Israel, particularly concerning aircrew from nations without formal diplomatic ties. Passengers were subsequently flown to Tel Aviv aboard a replacement flight.
- UAE prosecutors are investigating an in-flight attack on a flydubai plane as possible terrorism.
- The aircraft captain and passengers overpowered an Omani co-pilot who allegedly stabbed the pilot and tried to crash the plane.
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu attributed the attack to radical indoctrination and called for stricter aircrew screening.
