Overview
- The attack occurred on Sept. 30 when a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv plunged after the co‑pilot attacked the pilot with a rescue axe and a second crew diverted the plane to land in Tabuk.
- Passengers and crew, led by pilot Smit Machchhar and passenger Yaniv Hayun, overpowered the injured co‑pilot and stabilized the aircraft, preventing a possible crash.
- Emirati investigators now describe the incident as a planned suicide attack aimed at Ben‑Gurion airport and say the suspect is in custody as authorities probe his motive and ties.
- Reports say the detained co‑pilot is from Oman and had prior employment suspensions over security concerns, and U.S. and Israeli officials have publicly ordered further inquiries into possible external links.
- An AI‑generated video and other social posts have pushed claims the event was staged but experts and multiple outlets find no credible evidence for staging while warning that false media and political framing are shaping public debate.