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3w ago

Passengers and Crew Subdue Alleged Co‑Pilot Attack and Save Flydubai Flight; Captain Gives First Public Account

Multinational investigators are probing motive, gaps in crew vetting and whether outside direction existed as Israel prepares an extradition request.

Flydubai pilot recounts cockpit stabbing in call with Indian PM Modi
This undated photo released on Israel's Foreign Ministry social media shows Indian Capt. Smit Machchhar in the cockpit of a plane in an unknown location. Machchhar was at the controls of a FlyDubai flight that was diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia for an emergency landing on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. (Israel's Foreign Ministry via AP)
A plane, carrying passengers who were on the FlyDubai aircraft bound for Israel from the United Arab Emirates, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia following an emergency signal, arrives at the Ben Gurion International Airport, in Lod, near Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Overview

  • A Flydubai Boeing 737 en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv was thrown into a rapid descent after the Omani co‑pilot allegedly stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar, and passengers, crew and traveling pilots regained the cockpit and landed the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
  • The injured captain spoke publicly by video with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he forced himself to open the cockpit door despite severe wounds so others could enter and subdue the attacker.
  • The suspect was transferred from Saudi Arabia to UAE custody and is reported to be cooperating with investigators as Israel says it will seek his extradition and describes the act as having jihadist characteristics while stressing no external state link is yet proven.
  • Multiple sources report the accused Omani co‑pilot was previously flagged by Oman Air after being found with extremist material, raising urgent questions about cross‑airline vetting and how he came to serve on a Tel Aviv‑bound flight.
  • The episode has sharpened scrutiny of cockpit security and international information‑sharing, prompted Israeli President Isaac Herzog to recommend five Israeli passengers for the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism, and triggered coordinated probes by UAE, Saudi, Israeli and Indian authorities.