Overview
- On Wednesday, September 30, a Flydubai Boeing en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv sent emergency transponder codes and plunged about 4,000 metres before diverting for an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia after a copilot allegedly stabbed the captain.
- Passengers and a second crew that was traveling in the cabin forced entry into the cockpit, overpowered the assailant and helped secure the aircraft so it could be landed safely in Tabuk.
- The captain, identified by India as Smit Machchhar, was seriously injured but is reported in stable condition in a Tabuk hospital and received emergency care from fellow passengers on board.
- Saudi authorities detained and are questioning the suspected copilot while UAE prosecutors have set up a special investigation team and Israeli security agencies including Shin Bet and Mossad are reported to be involved; the suspect’s nationality and motive remain unconfirmed.
- Flydubai has suspended flights to and from Israel and passengers were flown back on replacement services, a move that has prompted scrutiny of crew vetting, Gulf‑Israel aviation links and regional security ahead of next month’s Israeli elections.