One pilot 'stabbed the other' and 'apparently tried to crash' Israel-bound plane, Netanyahu says
- On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a violent cockpit incident involving a stabbing and sudden altitude loss.
- Israeli officials allege an Omani co-pilot stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, and attempted to crash the aircraft, though Flydubai describes the event as an 'altercation' between pilots.
- Flightradar24 data shows the Boeing 737 MAX 8 dropped from 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet while transmitting emergency codes 7700 and 7500, before passengers and crew intervened to neutralize the attacker.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reported that Saudi authorities arrested the co-pilot, while injured pilots were hospitalized and Israeli warplanes briefly scrambled over hijacking fears.
- Authorities are increasing security scrutiny for Israel-bound flights, while pragmatic aviation cooperation between Israel and Saudi Arabia—which lack formal diplomatic ties—enabled the emergency landing.
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CNN Expert Claims Motive For Flydubai Incident Could Be 'Benign,' Like 'Workplace Violence'
On Wednesday, tragedy was averted after the co-pilot of a Flydubai flight from Saudi Arabia to Tel Aviv, reportedly carrying more than 100 Israelis, stabbed the captain in the cockpit, causing the jet to plunge thousands of feet, before a passenger and crew member subdued the attacker allowing another crew member to take control of the plane. Despite strong appearances to the contrary, CNN found a guest who wouldn't rule out "workplace violence"…
After the violent clash in the cockpit of an Emirati airline aircraft on the way from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Israel's government speaks of terror - but many questions are still open.
The eyes focus on the Omani co-pilot who attacked the captain in full flight. The investigation is led by the United Arab Emirates, but Israel wants the attacker to be delivered to him."For now nothing is ruled out," said an official close to the investigation in which several countries collaborate.
What to know about the terrifying FlyDubai flight attack en route for Israel
A copilot stabbed his captain and attempted to crash a flight carrying 174 people to Israel from the United Arab Emirates. Passengers, mostly Israelis, feared for their lives as the FlyDubai aircraft lost half its altitude in about a minute.…
abc 7 Chicago
FlyDubai attack: Plumber helped subdue flight attacker, pull plane out of nosedive
A man who was among of group of passengers that subdued an attack Wednesday was welcomed by Israeli leaders when he returned to Israel later in the evening.
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