Flydubai FZ1073 cockpit attack: pilot unlocks door as passengers and reserve pilots land safely

A UAE official has described the mid-air incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073 as a “terrorist act” while praising Indian-origin pilot Smit Machchhar for his role in ensuring the aircraft landed safely, AFP reported on Friday.The incident reportedly occurred when Machchhar was allegedly attacked by his co-pilot during the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. Despite sustaining injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene.The UAE defines the attempt to crash the Flydubai plane as a "terrorist act." pic.twitter.com/AUbUooFeEn— JudeanLion (@facts_by_truth) October 2, 2026 Three Israeli passengers reportedly helped restrain the alleged attacker, while two other pilots who were on board took control of the aircraft. The flight was subsequently diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely at Tabuk Airport.UAE orders specialised investigationThe development came a day after the UAE ordered a specialised investigation into the incident, which involved an alleged attempt by an Omani co-pilot to crash the aircraft.Authorities said the probe would examine the circumstances and motives behind the incident, including any possible links to terrorist activity, prior planning or external direction.Omani Co-Pilot Of Flydubai Flight To Be Handed Over To UAE After Preliminary Probe In Saudi Arabia The UAE said its judicial authorities would have jurisdiction over the investigation as the aircraft is registered in the country and operates under its flag. It added that UAE law applies to offences committed on board, including those occurring outside its territory.According to The Times of Israel, Saudi Arabia is expected to conduct the initial investigation before handing the accused co-pilot over to UAE authorities.

Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian pilot of a Flydubai passenger flight, has described how he struggled to regain control of the cockpit after being attacked by his co-pilot, determined not to let the passengers die.Machchhar said he was lying injured on the cockpit floor when he realised the aircraft was plunging and decided to make one final effort. “I was lying on the floor injured but I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside,” he recounted during a video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Others came in and also played a role in controlling the situation. I was of course fighting for my own life, but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die.”Flydubai flight FZ1073, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv early on Wednesday, dropped more than 17,000 feet (about 5,200 metres) roughly two and a half hours into the journey. The aircraft first transmitted an emergency signal before switching to the international hijacking code 7500.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later stated that one pilot had stabbed the other and appeared to be trying to crash the plane. Passengers overpowered the attacker. Two reserve pilots who were travelling as passengers then took control and safely landed the aircraft at Tabuk Airport in north-western Saudi Arabia at 06:58 local time.Netanyahu described Machchhar as a “true hero.” The pilot was first treated in hospital in Tabuk before being airlifted to Abu Dhabi, where he was reported to be in stable condition. Netanyahu told Fox News the attacker was an Omani national and that investigations pointed to “Islamist radical indoctrination.” After being restrained, the man repeatedly urged the crew to “kill me.”The United Arab Emirates has opened an investigation, including into whether the incident had any terrorist links. Machchhar, a pilot with 17 years’ experience, has been widely praised in India. Modi told him his “courage, patience and quick decision-making saved the lives of so many people.”The Indian Embassy in the UAE confirmed Machchhar is recovering well. Despite his injuries, the pilot said he remains optimistic: “I am not looking at this wound like a wound because that would make my recovery even more difficult. I am looking at it as a journey which is slowly going on and will take time, but I am confident that the recovery will be there and I will become fit and healthy again.”

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page The hero Indian pilot who was attacked on the Israel-bound Flydubai plane has spoken for the first time. Capt Smit Machchhar has been praised for saving the lives of 174 people as he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers, including two off-duty pilots, to stabilise the plunging plane He called the Indian Prime Minister, saying he was on the ground being attacked by his co-pilot when he realised the plane was rapidly sinking. The plane plunged more than 17,000 ft, but once Capt Machchhar let passengers and crew into the cockpit, they overpowered the attacker. Capt Machchhar said: ‘I was lying on the floor injured, but I told myself to go for one last push to open the door from inside. ‘Others came in and also played a role [in controlling the situation]. I was of course fighting for my own life, but at the same time I knew I was not going to let others die.’ Sign up for all of the latest stories Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page Capt Smit Machchhar has been called a ‘true hero’ for saving the lives of 174 people (Picture: Israel’s Foreign Ministry via AP) To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Up Next Previous Page Next Page The flight diverted to Saudi Arabia, where the captain was taken to hospital. ‘I am not looking at this wound like a wound because that would make my recovery even more difficult,’ he said. ‘I am looking at it as a journey which is slowly going on and will take time, but I am confident that the recovery will be there and I will become fit and healthy again.’ Prime Minister Modi said Machchhar’s ‘courage, patience and quick decision-making saved the lives of so many people’, adding the whole country was proud of him. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also described him as a ‘true hero’. The co-pilot accused of trying to hijack the flight was allegedly a religious extremist who showed ‘very strange behaviour.’ More details are emerging about the suspected attacker, who is said to be an Omani national, although his details are yet to be officially confirmed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today that the pilot was shouting ‘kill me’ after he was tied up. ‘It’s clear he was suicidal, that’s not a question,’ Netanyahu said. Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source

A desperate call for a doctor, passengers shouting in English and Hebrew and an injured Indian pilot heard saying, “He hit me.” Newly surfaced footage from inside flydubai flight FZ1073 has captured the tense moments after passengers and crew reportedly intervened to stop an alleged attempt by the Omani co-pilot to crash the aircraft while it was flying from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Israel.NEW FOOTAGE - CHAOTIC MOMENTS ON FLYDUBAI FLIGHTNew footage shows chaotic moments aboard a Flydubai flight that was diverted to Saudi Arabia following an in-flight incidentPassengers can be seen reacting to the situation & rushing to help as the emergency unfoldedi24News pic.twitter.com/UXdKezEBxH— Subodh Kumar (@kumarsubodh_) October 2, 2026 Viral Video Captures Moments Of Terror The video, apparently recorded on a mobile phone by a passenger seated near the cockpit, shows the cabin in a state of confusion as people react to the incident. Shared by Israeli news outlet i24NEWS, the footage captures Indian flight captain Smit Machchhar, who was reportedly stabbed and injured during the altercation, speaking off-camera.Although Machchhar is not visible in the clip, his voice can be heard saying, “He hit me,” apparently referring to the Omani co-pilot. Another person inside the cockpit is heard being told to 'relax', while someone later instructs passengers in the cabin to 'sit down'.As the situation unfolds, a person who appears to be a crew member can be heard urgently asking, “Doctor, is there a doctor?” The footage provides a glimpse into the confusion aboard the aircraft as passengers and crew responded to the reported attack. The video has emerged as authorities continue investigating the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the alleged actions of the co-pilot. Who Is Capt Smit Machchhar? Indian-Origin Pilot Emerges As Hero Of Flydubai Mid-Air EmergencyIndian Pilot Shifted To Abu Dhabi According to India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Captain Machchhar was transferred to Abu Dhabi after receiving initial medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. “After receiving initial medical treatment in a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, he has now been shifted to Abu Dhabi for continued medical attention and recovery,” the ministry said.On Thursday, Indian Ambassador to the UAE Deepak Mittal visited Machchhar and his family at the hospital to enquire about his health. The Indian Embassy said Mittal had also met the family earlier and assured them of all possible support.“Captain Machchhar is in good health and recovering well,” the embassy said in a social media post. It added that it remained in close coordination with local authorities to ensure the pilot's continued medical care and well-being. UAE Probes Possible Terror Link The UAE's chief prosecutor has launched an investigation into whether the incident was linked to terrorist activity or intent, or involved prior planning or direction.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the co-pilot had undergone what he described as 'Islamist radical indoctrination'. He also alleged that the co-pilot had shouted, “Kill me, kill me,” suggesting possible suicidal intent. No further details were provided to substantiate the claims.Israeli officials have described the incident as an attempted terrorist attack, although Netanyahu had earlier said other possibilities had not been ruled out. Meanwhile, flydubai said the reason for the altercation remained unclear and suspended flights to Israel as investigations continued.

Tel Aviv [Israel]: The Omani co-pilot who attacked Captain Smit Machchhar aboard Wednesday's Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight had posted content on social media about killing Jewish people, an Israeli official told The Times of Israel. According to The Times of Israel, the official cited conversations with passengers on board the aircraft, revealing that the attacker actively asked Emirati crew members to kill him while the altercation unfolded in the flight deck. “This was a person who was willing to commit suicide,” the official told The Times of Israel. “His social media accounts [say] clearly that he has been radicalised into jihadist ideology. He talks about killing Jews.”Co-pilot allegedly intended to bring down aircraftEvaluating the co-pilot's intent, the official pointed out that while the formal inquiry remains ongoing, preliminary indicators point toward an attempted suicidal act aimed at bringing down the airliner.Israel Scrambled Fighter Jets During Flydubai FZ1073 Emergency, Envoy Praises Indian Pilot Smit Machchhar's Courage “We can’t say for sure until the investigation’s over,” the official was quoted as saying by The Times of Israel, “but it certainly seems like he was a suicide actor who was probably going to try to down that plane.” Regarding the legal handling and custody of the suspect, the official told the publication that the co-pilot is expected to be handed over to Emirati authorities for further questioning, with Israeli agencies actively participating in the process. “Our understanding is he’s going to be transferred to the UAE,” the official added. “We will be part of that investigation.” Parallel to the international investigation, the official confirmed to The Times of Israel that Israel is currently conducting its own internal review and taking steps to modify existing aviation. Flydubai Flight FZ1073 Stabbing: First Image Of Omani Co-Pilot Accused Of Stabbing Capt. Smit Machchhar EmergesNetanyahu says co-pilot underwent Islamist indoctrinationThe report echoes similar concerns as raised by the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier today, who confirmed that the co-pilot who attacked Captain Machchhar underwent radical Islamist indoctrination. Speaking to Fox News, the Israeli PM said that the Pilot was currently being interrogated. Israeli investigators have joined the interrogation. "The attacker, the co-pilot who attacked the captain, is now being interrogated. What we know so far is that he underwent Islamist radical indoctrination," the Israeli Prime Minister said. Netanyahu further revealed that from initial investigation it appeared that the Co-pilot was suicidal and was attempting to crash the plane. US President Donald Trump Hints At Iran Role In Flydubai Mid-Air Attack; Benjamin Netanyahu Says 'Too Early To Draw Conclusions' "They had to use earphone cords to tie his hands and then used plastic cuffs. He is lying on the floor and he calls out to the crew 'kill me, kill me'. So, it is clear that he was suicidal and was going to down the plane," Netanyahu told Fox and Friends.Saudi Arabia conducts preliminary investigationSaudi Arabian authorities are at the moment conducting the preliminary investigation into the Omani co-pilot who attempted to crash flydubai flight FZ1073, after the Tel Aviv-bound plane was forced to make an unscheduled landing at Tabuk Airport. The Times of Israel, citing an Israeli official, reported that following the conclusion of the Saudi inquiry, the suspect will be handed over to Emirati authorities for a secondary investigation. According to the official, Israeli authorities anticipate that the UAE's investigation will yield more significant findings regarding the incident.What happened aboard flydubai flight FZ1073?The flight Flydubai FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the mid-air incident occurred. The pilot of the flight, Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot, who stabbed him and attempted to take control of the aircraft.Flydubai Midair Attack: Devendra Fadnavis Meets Captain Smit Machchhar's Uncle, Aunt; Hails His 'Extraordinary Courage' Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to intervene. The aircraft subsequently diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The captain was taken to a hospital in Tabuk. Captain Machchhar, currently admitted in a hospital in Abu Dhabi for advanced medical care after suffering stab wounds, is now out of danger and is recovering, the Indian Ambassador to UAE confirmed.(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

US President Donald Trump has indicated that Iran could potentially be linked to the mid-air incident involving a flydubai flight headed from Dubai to Tel Aviv, even as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was too early to establish any such connection.Trump was questioned by a reporter a day after the incident about whether he had been briefed on a possible connection between the flydubai co-pilot involved in the incident and Iran. Trump said his administration was currently examining the matter.Trump says an Israeli plumber who had never flown a plane saved the Flydubai plane earlier today by “lifting up a stick.” pic.twitter.com/zNDHbbEs6f— Clash Report (@clashreport) September 30, 2026 'Super Proud Of Our Mumbai Son': Devendra Fadnavis Praises Flydubai Pilot Captain Smit Machchhar For Averting Flight AttackTrump on whether Iran was involved in Flydubai plane incident:I would say the answer, based on what I’m hearing, is yes, but we’re working on it right now. pic.twitter.com/6zWm8SbcJN— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 1, 2026 "We're working on that right now. We'll be very open with it. Uh, I would say the answer based on what I'm hearing is yes, but we're working on it right now," Trump said.When asked whether the co-pilot could have been put on the aircraft by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), or whether he may have been radicalised through another channel before attempting to bring down the plane, Trump replied, "Could have been, yeah".Israeli Prime Minister Takes A Cautious ApproachNetanyahu, however, struck a more cautious note when questioned about the possible Iranian connection during an interview with Fox News on Thursday. The Israeli prime minister said there was currently insufficient information to establish whether the co-pilot had links to Iran or any other organisation.‘Never Heard Or Seen Such Incident In 50 Years’: Federation Of Indian Pilots Chief Reacts To Attack On Captain Smit Machchhar Aboard Flydubai Flight| VIDEO "I think it's too early to say whether he had any connections with Iran or with anyone else," he said. Speaking to "Fox & Friends", Netanyahu said investigators could have greater clarity within a few days about whether such connections existed.At the same time, Netanyahu said the co-pilot had been subjected to Islamist radicalisation. "We know that he underwent Islamist radical indoctrination," he said. He indicated that investigators were drawing this conclusion from information found in the man's personal records. "That appears to be something we're gathering from his personal information," he said.The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The situation escalated after the co-pilot attempted to interfere with the aircraft's controls, prompting passengers and the captain to intervene and restrain him.Netanyahu on yesterday's Flydubai incident:This is Hollywood on steroids. You can’t make this up. You can’t believe that it actually happens in real life, but it did. pic.twitter.com/Sd5MHSvNM8— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 1, 2026 'Stabbed Or Hit With An Axe': Netanyahu Reveals How Smit Machchhar Helped Foil '9/11-Style' TragedyThe aircraft was ultimately diverted and landed in Saudi Arabia with the help of reserve crew members who were travelling on board.Several passengers, including a plumber, intervened to prevent the co-pilot from interfering with the plane's instruments. Passengers and officials have also said that the pilot, Capt. Smit Machchhar was "stabbed". Investigators have yet to disclose details about the weapon used, although Netanyahu said the pilot was stabbed or struck with an axe.

What began as a routine flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv turned into a frightening mid-air ordeal on Wednesday after Indian pilot Capt. Smit Machchhar was attacked by his Omani co-pilot aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073. More than 170 passengers were on board the aircraft, which narrowly avoided a potentially deadly outcome after Machchhar managed to overpower the co-pilot, who attacked him with a knife.According to Israeli officials, the co-pilot intended to crash the aircraft. During the confrontation, Machchhar was able to send emergency signals from the flight before opening the cockpit door. Passengers then entered the cockpit and helped subdue the co-pilot.While the incident ended without a crash, it is not the first case in which a pilot or co-pilot has been accused of deliberately attempting to bring down an aircraft. Several such incidents have occurred over the years, some resulting in fatal crashes that together claimed more than 500 lives.'Super Proud Of Our Mumbai Son': Devendra Fadnavis Praises Flydubai Pilot Captain Smit Machchhar For Averting Flight Attack FedEx Flight 705 (April 4, 1994)A serious cockpit attack unfolded aboard FedEx Flight 705 on April 4, 1994, when off-duty pilot Auburn Calloway boarded the cargo aircraft carrying weapons that included a hammer and a spear.Calloway, who was reportedly concerned about losing his job, attacked the captain, first officer and flight engineer after the aircraft was airborne. He was alleged to have planned to crash the plane so his family could collect an insurance payout.The crew, despite suffering severe injuries during the assault, managed to fight back. The pilots carried out a series of extreme aerial manoeuvres to incapacitate Calloway and regain command of the aircraft. They subsequently managed to make an emergency landing despite their injuries.SilkAir Flight 185 (December 19, 1997)SilkAir Flight 185 was en route from Indonesia to Singapore when it suddenly descended at high speed and crashed into a river on December 19, 1997. All 104 passengers and crew members aboard were killed.‘Never Heard Or Seen Such Incident In 50 Years’: Federation Of Indian Pilots Chief Reacts To Attack On Captain Smit Machchhar Aboard Flydubai Flight| VIDEO Investigators found that the aircraft's flight recorders had been switched off and that the co-pilot had been locked out of the cockpit before the crash. The investigation concluded that the captain had intentionally caused the aircraft to crash, although the finding has remained contested.EgyptAir Flight 990 (October 31, 1999)EgyptAir Flight 990 was flying from New York to Cairo when relief co-pilot Gamil al-Batouti took control while the captain was away from the cockpit.Al-Batouti disengaged the autopilot and put the aircraft into a steep descent. After returning, the captain was heard on the cockpit recorder asking, "What have you done?" The aircraft continued its descent and eventually crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, killing all 217 people aboard.Germanwings Flight 9525 (March 24, 2015)Germanwings Flight 9525 met with disaster on March 24, 2015, when co-pilot Andreas Lubitz intentionally flew the aircraft into the French Alps while the captain was locked outside the cockpit.Why Were 4 Pilots Aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073? How Extra Crew Helped After Smit Machchhar Was Stabbed Lubitz had been diagnosed with severe clinical depression. During the flight, he locked the cockpit door after the captain left to use the lavatory and prevented him from getting back inside. Despite repeated efforts to regain access, the captain was unable to stop the aircraft from descending. The crash killed all 150 people aboard.The Germanwings tragedy subsequently prompted changes to cockpit security procedures in some jurisdictions and airlines. One measure requires a cabin crew member to enter the cockpit if one of the pilots leaves, ensuring that two people are present inside at all times.

Israel scrambled fighter jets after a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai aircraft sent emergency signals during an alleged attempt by its co-pilot to crash the plane, Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar said on Thursday. The jets, however, did not have to intervene after passengers and crew regained control of the aircraft and it landed safely in Saudi Arabia.Azar also praised Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, who was injured in the cockpit attack, for showing “resourcefulness, courage and resolve”. Despite being attacked, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door and seek assistance, allowing others on board to intervene. His actions in a moment of extreme danger proved crucial in preventing a potential disaster.Captain’s Courage Opens Door To RescueThree Israeli passengers rushed towards the cockpit door and subdued the attacker before helping take preliminary control of the aircraft, Azar said. They also called for a doctor to attend to the injured captain."We are overwhelmed by the courage that Captain Smit Machchhar has shown"Israel Ambassador Reuven Azar praises the Flydubai captain, says opening the cockpit door enabled Israeli passengers to intervene and helped the crew regain control..@ReuvenAzar @IsraelinIndia @sidhant pic.twitter.com/CNN3eGCYT0— WION (@WIONews) October 1, 2026Two additional pilots who were on board then took control of the aircraft and safely diverted it to Saudi Arabia. Azar said the combined actions of Machchhar, the passengers, crew members and pilots turned what could have been a crash into a safe landing, PTI reports.Machchhar’s actions have drawn widespread praise, including from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli leaders. Azar said the Indian captain was admired in Israel by its Prime Minister, President, head of Parliament and the Israeli people.Real-life Top Gun moment at 35,000 feet and the hero is INDIAN.Flydubai flight FZ626 to Dubai was hijacked mid-air when a passenger stormed the cockpit and stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar. Bleeding heavily, the Indian pilot fought back, locked controls, and made a daring… pic.twitter.com/nwI7z3FKsn— WritterSanataniAgain (@SanatanEkBharat) September 30, 2026The episode underlines how decisive action inside the aircraft prevented an emergency from becoming a catastrophe. Machchhar’s ability to open the cockpit despite being injured gave those outside a chance to intervene, while the passengers, crew and additional pilots worked together to bring the situation under control.174 Passengers On BoardFlight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when it transmitted emergency signals and went into a sharp descent before being diverted to Prince Sultan Bin Abdel Aziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The flight was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children.Explaining Israel’s response, Azar said the country’s small geographical size meant an aircraft could enter its airspace and reach a building, civilian area or installation within seconds. Israel’s civil aviation authorities, air force and political leadership were therefore immediately alerted.Azar said officials assessed the developing situation and that, had the passengers and crew failed to regain control of the aircraft, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might have had to decide what action should be taken.“Of course, immediately fighter jets were called into the air and fortunately, they didn’t have to take action,” Azar said.Flydubai Cockpit Attack: UAE Orders Probe Into Possible Terror Link, Prior PlanningInjured Captain Treated After LandingAzar said an Israeli doctor stabilised Machchhar on board the aircraft. After the emergency landing, Saudi Arabian authorities took charge of his treatment.Machchhar was seriously injured in the incident but was reported to be in stable condition while receiving medical treatment.The incident has also focused attention on the actions of those aboard the flight. While Machchhar’s response opened the way for intervention, passengers subdued the attacker and additional pilots took over the aircraft. Their coordinated response ensured that the 174 passengers reached safety.Also Watch:Motive Still Under InvestigationAzar said it was too early to determine the motive behind the alleged attack and that investigators would have to question the attacker before drawing conclusions.“We are in a very preliminary stage. I think that following the investigation of the attacker, we’ll be able to learn more,” he said.The envoy also pointed to what he described as sensitive timing, noting that Israel was only weeks away from an election and approaching the commemoration of the October 7 attack.For now, the motive remains unclear and subject to investigation. What is clear from the account given by the Israeli envoy is that a combination of the captain’s actions, intervention by passengers and crew, and the presence of additional pilots prevented a far more serious outcome.

Tel Aviv [Israel]: Saudi Arabia will conduct the preliminary investigation into the Omani co-pilot who attempted to crash flydubai flight FZ1073, after the Tel Aviv-bound plane was forced to make an unscheduled landing at Tabuk Airport.The Times of Israel, citing an Israeli official, reported that following the conclusion of the Saudi inquiry, the suspect will be handed over to Emirati authorities for a secondary investigation.According to the official, Israeli authorities anticipate that the UAE's investigation will yield more significant findings regarding the incident, The Times of Israel reported.Meanwhile, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has formally announced that judicial authorities have opened a comprehensive investigation into the mid-air incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, after the co-pilot stabbed the pilot in an apparent attempt to crash the plane.'I Watch Air Crash Investigation': Flydubai Passenger Says To PM Benjamin Netanyahu; Know How An Aviation Show Helped Him Respond To Mid-Air Crisis The Boeing 737 aircraft was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following an altercation inside the flight deck.According to an official statement issued by MoFA, UAE Attorney-General Counsellor Dr. Hamad Al Shamsi has directed the formation of a specialised team from the Public Prosecution to investigate the precise causes and motives behind the disturbance.The Ministry emphasised that UAE judicial authorities maintain full jurisdiction over the case under applicable law, as the aircraft is registered in the UAE and operates under its national flag. Consequently, UAE legal standards apply to offences committed on board, regardless of whether the aircraft was outside UAE airspace at the time of the incident.The UAE expressed appreciation for the quick response and cooperation of Saudi authorities in managing the aircraft's landing and securing those on board.PM Modi Speaks To Family Of Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar Who Helped Avert Tragedy The flight Flydubai FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the mid-air incident occurred. The pilot of the flight Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot, who stabbed him and attempted to take control of the aircraft.Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to intervene. The aircraft subsequently diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The captain was taken to a hospital in Tabuk.Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Captain Machchhar for displaying courage despite being seriously injured."The incident that occurred yesterday, Captain Smit of India demonstrated remarkable patience, presence of mind, and courage; indeed, as the Prime Minister of Israel stated today, an Indian prevented a 9/11-style tragedy. For every citizen of our country, Smit's valour fills us with immense pride," PM Modi said.'Super Proud Of Our Mumbai Son': Devendra Fadnavis Praises Flydubai Pilot Captain Smit Machchhar For Averting Flight Attack The Prime Minister added that he had spoken to Machchhar’s family and enquired about his health, stating, "Today, I had a conversation with his father Bhupendrabhai, his mother Gitaben, and his wife Sonalben. His medical treatment is currently ongoing, and today the entire world feels proud of him."Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is a seasoned aviator with more than 13 years of commercial aviation experience and around 9,750 total flying hours, predominantly operating Boeing 737 aircraft. Before joining Flydubai, he spent 11 years with SpiceJet, where he served as a Line Training Captain. (Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Indian pilot Smit Machchhar was stabbed or struck with an axe by his copilot during the mid-air cockpit incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, but managed to unlock the cockpit door despite being seriously injured and bleeding profusely.Calling Machchhar’s actions a “tremendous act of heroism”, Netanyahu said his efforts helped prevent what could have been another 9/11-style crash. He said the aircraft was heading into a nosedive when Machchhar, “fighting for his life”, managed to unlock the cockpit door.“What we know is that this plane that was heading from Dubai to Israel, as they approached Israel, one of the co-pilots stabbed or hit with an axe the other pilot, an Indian pilot. The pilot who was hit, bleeding profusely and fighting for his life, managed to unlock the cockpit door, but the plane was going into a nosedive,” Netanyahu said.“I think what happened is a tremendous act of heroism that prevented another 9/11 style crash of an entire airplane,” Netanyahu said in an interview with CBS News. Russian and Ukrainian off-duty pilots together saved over 170 Israelis — Israel HayomAfter the Omani co-pilot stabbed the Emirati captain, the Russian and the Ukrainian managed to land the aircraft safelyIf they hadn't been on board, no one could have landed the plane https://t.co/XuZD94jbCb pic.twitter.com/pelYJ4zElU— The Other Side Media (@TheOtherSideRu) September 30, 2026 Passenger Rushed Towards CockpitNetanyahu said an Israeli passenger sitting in row 18 rushed towards the cockpit after hearing screams and tried to open the door.“When they heard the screaming, a passenger, an Israeli passenger sitting in row 18, rushed to the cockpit trying to open it. When the plane started to nose-dive, he was thrown aside in that area where the stewards are, the flight attendants are, and somehow he managed -- there was a moment where I think they hit an air bump or something -- and anyway, he had the opportunity; he went through the door, bust through,” Netanyahu said.According to Netanyahu, the passenger then saw the pilot who had allegedly attacked Machchhar trying to interfere with the aircraft’s controls.“He saw the pilot who attacked the other co-pilot between the two seats trying to jam the equipment, the flight equipment; obviously, it looks like he wanted to obviously bring the whole plane down,” he said.My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery.Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, opened the cockpit door, and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the attacker — preventing a catastrophic mid-air…— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) September 30, 2026 The passenger grabbed the suspected attacker from behind and pulled him away before taking control of the aircraft, Netanyahu said.“Grabbed him from behind, pulled him back, then, unbelievably, took the stick, pulled it back. This is not a pilot, this is a plumber,” Netanyahu said.Netanyahu said he later met the passenger at the airport and asked what he did for a living.“I asked him, ‘What do you do for a living?’ Because I met him at the airport when he came then they all came back to Israel, and I said, ‘What do you do for a living?’ And he said, ‘Well, I’m, you know, I’m I unclog sewage clogs.’ And I said, ‘Well, you certainly unclogged a big one this time,’” he recalled.Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar's Mumbai Neighbours Wave Tricolour, Pray For His Recovery After Cockpit AttackReserve Pilots Stabilised AircraftNetanyahu said another Israeli passenger and an air crew member joined the passenger and helped overpower the suspected attacker. Reserve flight crew members travelling with the passengers then entered the cockpit and stabilised the aircraft.“He was joined by another Israeli and one of the air crew; they overcame the attacker. And then the reserve flight crew that were sitting with the passengers came in, stabilized the aircraft,” Netanyahu said.According to Netanyahu, the aircraft’s rudder and tail had been damaged, making it difficult to stabilise the plane before it landed safely in Saudi Arabia.“It was difficult to do because the rudder and the tail had been damaged, but they managed to stabilize the plane, bring it down in Saudi Arabia, and save the day. It’s incredible heroism,” he said.Netanyahu said Machchhar’s actions were particularly remarkable given the circumstances.“I don’t know how he did it. I, I have to tell you, I’m, you know, I’m a veteran of a special unit, I’ve been in tough places, but never like this. It’s incredible,” he said.Who Are The 5 Heroes Of Flydubai Flight FZ1073? Meet The Pilot, Plumber, Banker, Businessman & Dentist Who Helped Avert Mid-Air DisasterFlight Diverted To Saudi ArabiaThe incident occurred aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Machchhar was seriously injured after he was allegedly attacked by his copilot, who Israeli officials said attempted to take control of the aircraft.Despite his injuries, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.Flydubai acknowledged that “an altercation occurred in the flight deck” and said the aircraft “was successfully secured by on-duty FlyDubai crew traveling on the flight, who diverted and landed the aircraft safely.”The passengers were later flown to Tel Aviv on another aircraft.Netanyahu had earlier praised Machchhar for his “unbelievable courage”, saying the pilot and passengers helped prevent what could have been “another 9/11”.Also Watch:Flydubai Temporarily Suspends Israel FlightsMachchhar is a seasoned pilot who flies as a direct-entry captain with UAE-based carrier flydubai. He has more than 13 years of commercial aviation experience and around 9,750 flying hours, predominantly on Boeing 737 aircraft.Before joining flydubai, he spent 11 years with Indian airline SpiceJet, where he served as a line training captain.Meanwhile, flydubai will temporarily suspend flights to and from Israel while an investigation into Wednesday’s mid-air incident is underway, an airline spokesperson said.

Five men, an Indian pilot and four Israeli passengers, have emerged as heroes after a flydubai flight reached safety following an Omani co-pilot’s alleged attempt to crash the aircraft carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children, and six crew members.Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Indian pilot Smit Machchhar and tried to take control of the aircraft. Despite suffering grave injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door and alert the crew, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene.The aircraft was eventually diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia after Machchhar issued an emergency signal. He is recovering at a hospital there.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were among those who praised Machchhar’s courage. Israeli officials also highlighted the role played by four Israeli passengers, Yaniv Hayun, Assaf Rajuan, Zvika Manes and Shota Musaev, in bringing the crisis under control.This is absolutely insane. One of the passengers who overpowered the pilot on the #Flydubai flight is telling Netanyahu that he knew to pull back on the controls because he watches the show Air Crash Investigation pic.twitter.com/ctn7aBSllM— Noa Landau נעה לנדאו (@noa_landau) September 30, 2026 According to Ynet News, Hayun, Rajuan and Manes helped overpower and restrain the suspected attacker, while Musaev treated the severely wounded Machchhar. Two off-roster pilots subsequently took control of the aircraft and landed it at an airport in Saudi Arabia.Here are the five men who played crucial roles during the mid-air emergency.Smit Machchhar: The Pilot Who Raised The AlarmMachchhar was flying the aircraft when his Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked him, apparently using a crash axe from the cockpit.Despite his severe injuries, the Indian pilot managed to open the cockpit door, alerting the crew and passengers to the danger before collapsing. His action allowed others aboard the aircraft to enter the cockpit and confront the suspected attacker.Hayun later said he believed Machchhar had opened the door before collapsing.“My conclusion is that he managed to open it for us before he collapsed, with tremendous presence of mind.”Machchhar also issued an emergency signal before the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk. He remained conscious after the attack and communicated with those treating him despite suffering serious blood loss. He is recovering at a hospital in Tabuk.INSIDE FLYDUBAI'S 17,000 FOOT PLUNGE Passengers tell Israeli media a pilot on a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight was stabbed before the plane was diverted to Saudi ArabiaThe airport where the plane landed says both the captain and first officer sustained injuries - but does not say how.… pic.twitter.com/ZXLgEFNrUg— Rob Vendetti (@rob_vendetti) September 30, 2026 Yaniv Hayun: The Plumber Who Pulled The Attacker From The ControlsYaniv Hayun, a plumber, was among the passengers who rushed towards the cockpit as the aircraft descended rapidly.A video shared by the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office showed Netanyahu meeting Hayun at Tel Aviv airport after he returned to Israel. His shirt was stained with blood, although he said he had not been injured.Hayun said the cockpit door was unlocked when the passengers reached it and believed Machchhar might have opened it before collapsing.“When I went in, I saw the terrorist on the controls, between the two seats. There were no pilots in the seats,” he said, explaining that he grabbed the co-pilot and dragged him out.Asked what the attacker had been doing, Hayun said, “He was trying to destroy the controls in order to disable the plane.”Hayun then pulled back on the aircraft’s yoke in an attempt to level it, drawing on what he had learnt from watching television.“I watch Mayday.”Assaf Rajuan: The Businessman Who Helped Overpower The Co-PilotAssaf Rajuan, an insurance agency owner, was returning from a holiday in Thailand when the emergency unfolded.He told Ynet News that passengers first realised something was seriously wrong after hearing screams near the restroom.“We heard screams from near the restroom. A girl’s mother came out screaming, and we understood something had happened to the plane. It lost control, went down at a 90-degree angle, and we understood there was no control over the aircraft and something had happened,” he said.Rajuan said passengers then saw the cockpit filling with blood. He joined Manes and two other men in confronting the suspected attacker.“People went in. There was a guy who got there before me named Zvika Manes. I went in with two other guys, and we tried to overpower the attacker, and we succeeded,” he said.Rajuan said passengers and crew members kept the man restrained until the aircraft landed.“We also had help from some of the crew. We managed to keep the attacker neutralised for 50 minutes and land in Saudi Arabia,” he added.Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar's Mumbai Neighbours Wave Tricolour, Pray For His Recovery After Cockpit AttackZvika Manes: The Banker Who Used Headphone Cables To Restrain The AttackerZvika Manes, CEO of Bank Leumi’s underwriting company, was another passenger who responded as the crisis unfolded.Manes said he helped restrain the suspected attacker using cables from multimedia headphones distributed aboard the aircraft.“There was a lot of blood. The plane plunged rapidly like you see in horror movies. There were screams. It was a very difficult event until the pilot stabilised the plane,” Manes recalled.According to Manes, the suspected attacker was “really trying to fly the aircraft toward the ground, and people were thrown around and screaming.”After passengers overpowered him, they used considerable physical force to keep him restrained.“We later tied him up and neutralised him. It took quite a bit of physical force. He was a strong man, probably full of adrenaline,” Manes said.Also Watch:Shota Musaev: The Dentist Who Stopped The Pilot’s BleedingDentist Shota Musaev initially rushed towards the cockpit to help confront the suspected attacker. Once the man had been restrained, Musaev turned his attention to Machchhar.Musaev, reportedly the only doctor aboard the flight, found the pilot suffering from severe bleeding.He described Machchhar as “in very bad shape, with heavy bleeding from his head and hands.”“I was the only doctor on the plane. I managed to stop the bleeding, and the pilot was fairly stable until shortly before landing, when his condition deteriorated somewhat,” he said.Musaev later told CNN that Machchhar had suffered extensive cuts.“His head and his hands were practically sliced open, almost severed in two,” Musaev said.“He was in serious condition, not critical perhaps, but serious because of the blood loss.”Musaev also recalled that Machchhar remained conscious and communicated with those around him while lying in a pool of blood on the aircraft floor.Video footage circulated on social media showed two bloodied and wounded men lying on the floor of the aircraft.

New Delhi: The Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv has been described as a “religious extremist” by a fellow pilot, according to Israeli media reports.Speaking to Israel’s Channel 16, the pilot claimed the Omani national had joined Flydubai only around eight months ago. The colleague alleged that he “prayed excessively throughout the day” and refused to shake hands with women.This is a “Crash Axe” on a 737 MAX. It’s in the cockpit.In a crash, the airframe may get distorted to such an extent that the doors won’t open. While the skin of the jet looks thick at the entry doors, it’s not as thick along the rest of the fuselage. In theory, you could hack… pic.twitter.com/IFTgr09qq5— KC-10 Driver ✈️ ‍✈️ B-737 Wrangler (@MCCCANM) September 30, 2026 The allegations emerged after a dramatic mid-air incident on Wednesday in which the co-pilot reportedly attacked Indian-origin Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit, triggering a major emergency aboard the Israel-bound aircraft.According to eyewitness accounts cited by the Associated Press, there was blood inside the cockpit following the confrontation. The aircraft reportedly plunged nearly 14,000 feet in about 30 seconds, dropping from around 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet before the situation was brought under control.Machchhar, despite sustaining serious injuries, is reported to have managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene. Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayoun reportedly rushed into the cockpit, pulled the attacker away from the controls and helped stabilise the aircraft. Other passengers and crew members subsequently restrained the co-pilot.PM Modi Speaks To Family Of Flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar Who Helped Avert TragedyIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar’s “unbelievable courage”, saying the pilot’s actions, along with those of passengers and crew, helped avert a disaster.Machchhar has more than 13 years of commercial aviation experience and around 9,750 flying hours. He previously spent 11 years with SpiceJet, including as a Line Training Captain.Flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel while an investigation

A routine Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv turned into a mid-air emergency after an Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked the Indian captain inside the cockpit and attempted to interfere with the aircraft's controls.The incident involving Flydubai Flight FZ1073 is now being investigated by authorities in Israel and Saudi Arabia, with Israeli officials examining whether it could amount to an attempted terrorist attack. The motive, however, has not been conclusively established.Who is the Omani Co-Pilot?The alleged attacker has not been publicly named. Israeli officials have identified him as an Omani national, while reports indicate that he joined Flydubai around eight months before the incident.A fellow pilot, speaking anonymously to Israel's Channel 16, reportedly described the man's behaviour as unusually strict in religious matters. The colleague claimed that he prayed frequently during the day and refused to shake hands with women.Watch the moment when Israeli passengers rush the cockpit to rescue their Flydubai flight after the copilot attempted to hijack it. pic.twitter.com/fyFZtZOIQH— Aditya Singh (@Beingadiisingh) September 30, 2026 Some reports have used the description "religious extremist" for the co-pilot. However, authorities have not established that his religious practices were connected to the alleged attack, and his motive remains under investigation.His presence on a flight bound for Israel has also raised questions because Oman does not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel.Flight plunges thousands of feetThe confrontation reportedly began while the Boeing 737 MAX 8 was flying towards Israel. The co-pilot allegedly stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar before attempting to interfere with the aircraft's controls.Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft rapidly losing altitude, with reports indicating a descent of nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds.This man is a hero.Captain Smit Machchhar, the Indian captain of flydubai Flight 1073, fought back after being stabbed in the cockpit.Despite being severely injured, he managed to unlock the cockpit door - allowing Israeli passengers and the Emirati crew to intervene and save… pic.twitter.com/x4W3mtQkag— Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) September 30, 2026 Passengers eventually forced their way into the cockpit and helped restrain the alleged attacker. Machchhar, despite being seriously wounded, reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers and crew to intervene.Emergency landing in Saudi ArabiaThe aircraft diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. All 174 people aboard survived, although the captain and others sustained injuries.Captain Machchhar has since received widespread praise for his actions. Reuters and other international outlets reported that the Mumbai-born pilot played a crucial role in helping prevent a catastrophe.

The cockpit of a passenger aircraft is among the most restricted spaces in commercial aviation. Yet, during the terrifying Flydubai FZ1073 incident, a violent struggle erupted inside it at 30,000 feet, leaving the captain badly injured and the aircraft plunging thousands of feet.As investigators piece together what happened, attention has turned to the object allegedly used against Indian-origin Captain Smit Machchhar. While initial accounts referred to a knife, sources have now suggested that the weapon could have been the aircraft's own emergency crash axe — an item already stored inside the cockpit.According to sources cited by Times Now, the Omani co-pilot may have used the aircraft's emergency crash axe during the confrontation with Captain Machchhar. The theory is significant because a crash axe is not an item secretly brought onto an aircraft by a passenger — it is part of emergency equipment carried on commercial planes.Reuters, however, said it could not independently determine what weapon was used. Pilots speaking to the news agency also pointed out that crew members may have access to items such as metal knives from meal service, while crash axes are available in many cockpits. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu told media outlets that Machchhar was attacked with a crash axe. NETANYAHU: "Indian pilot Captain Smit, others prevented another 9/11""Indian pilot was 'attacked' by co pilot with an 'axe'""Despite being stabbed and seriously injured, he fought back, resisted, managed to open the cockpit door""Mr. Machchhar saved the lives of 174… https://t.co/MNzQ6TR1jT pic.twitter.com/XGHC4LW0Ej— News Algebra (@NewsAlgebraIND) October 1, 2026 What is a crash axe and why is it kept in the cockpit?A crash axe is an emergency tool designed to help flight crews deal with situations such as fires or obstructions inside an aircraft. Depending on the aircraft and applicable aviation regulations, emergency equipment of this kind is kept accessible to crew members.Its presence inside a cockpit therefore does not indicate that a weapon was deliberately brought aboard.The incident has nevertheless highlighted an unusual vulnerability: an object intended to help pilots respond to an emergency could potentially be used during an attack from inside the flight deck.This is a “Crash Axe” on a 737 MAX. It’s in the cockpit.In a crash, the airframe may get distorted to such an extent that the doors won’t open. While the skin of the jet looks thick at the entry doors, it’s not as thick along the rest of the fuselage. In theory, you could hack… pic.twitter.com/IFTgr09qq5— KC-10 Driver ✈️ ‍✈️ B-737 Wrangler (@MCCCANM) September 30, 2026 Captain Smit Machchhar injured during mid-air struggleFlight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 when a violent confrontation broke out inside the cockpit.Israeli officials said the co-pilot attacked Captain Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 subsequently went through a dramatic loss of altitude, dropping from more than 30,000 feet in a matter of seconds.Airport security will confiscate every sharp object from you, including a nail cutter, so how did the Omani co-pilot smuggle a knife into the cockpit? Well, he didn't. He most probably used the fire axe that is factory-fitted in the cockpit.Yes, the cockpit comes with an axe.… pic.twitter.com/pQSHtsZihC— Kamlesh Singh / Tau (@kkstau) September 30, 2026 The aircraft transmitted emergency signals as the situation unfolded, while Israeli fighter jets were reportedly scrambled amid fears over the aircraft's safety.Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door. This allowed passengers and crew members to enter the flight deck and overpower the alleged attacker.The captain was left heavily injured and bleeding and was taken to a hospital after the aircraft diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia. He underwent surgery and was later reported to be in stable condition.Once the cockpit door was opened, passengers and crew members rushed forward.Videos recorded after the confrontation showed two injured men inside the flight deck, with passengers restraining the alleged attacker. The situation was eventually brought under control.Two off-duty Flydubai pilots who happened to be travelling on the aircraft then helped take over the flight deck and safely land the aircraft at Tabuk's Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport.All passengers and crew survived the incident.