A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (Sep 30) after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain in the cockpit, triggering a struggle for control of the aircraft. The Boeing 737, operating as flight FZ1073, reportedly descended sharply over Jordanian airspace before passengers and crew intervened. All 174 passengers were eventually brought to safety.The name of the hero pilot who has been credited with preventing what could've been a tragedy has been made public. Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has been hailed as a "hero" by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But who was the co-pilot behind the horrific stabbing and attempted plane crash? Here's all we know.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hero-pm-modi-praises-indian-pilot-smit-machchhar-who-helped-avert-flydubai-tragedy-1790819874962">‘HERO’: PM Modi praises Indian pilot Smit Machchhar who helped avert Flydubai tragedy</a><h2>The identity: Who is the alleged attacker?</h2>The alleged attacker was the first officer, or co-pilot, rostered on Flydubai flight FZ1073. Israeli officials have identified him as an Omani national, but his name has not been publicly released by Israel, Flydubai or Saudi authorities.Notably, Israeli media previously reported different nationalities, including Russian or Ukrainian.The co-pilot was arrested after the aircraft landed at Tabuk Airport and is being detained in Saudi Arabia, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.<h2>What happened inside the cockpit?</h2>According to reports, roughly two and a half hours into the flight, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar, leaving him seriously injured.The co-pilot then allegedly pushed the flight controls forward, sending the aircraft into a steep descent. Flight-tracking data indicated that the plane lost approximately 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds, while other accounts put the altitude loss at around 17,000 feet within a minute.The injured captain reportedly managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers to rush inside and eventually subdue the attacker.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-capt-smit-machchhar-indian-pilot-who-helped-avert-flydubai-disaster-1790792934749">Who is Capt. Smit Machchhar, Indian pilot who helped avert Flydubai disaster?</a><h2>The motive: Why did the co-pilot attack the pilot?</h2>Passenger accounts suggest that the co-pilot appeared to be trying to disable the controls. At the time this report was published, the motive had not been established. However, speculations and accusations continue to circulate.Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has described the incident as an “attempted jihadist terror attack” and said the alleged attacker intended to crash the aircraft with its Israeli passengers.Israel's Foreign Ministry has called the incident an attempted terrorist attack against Israelis, the UAE and the Abraham Accords, while Israel and the UAE have said they intend to work together against extremist elements.Netanyahu offered a somewhat different preliminary description, saying the incident appeared to involve an extended suicide or sabotage attempt.&nbsp;Flydubai, however, has explicitly said the reasons and motives behind the cockpit altercation remain unknown and are subject to a formal investigation.<h2>How Captain Smit Machchhar helped save the plane</h2>Despite being stabbed multiple times, Machchhar mustered the strength to unlock the cockpit door. That gave passengers the opportunity to enter the flight deck and confront the co-pilot. Israeli passenger Yaniv, who was among those who entered the cockpit, said the alleged attacker was on the controls and appeared to be trying to damage them.After helping pull the man away from the controls, Yaniv returned to the cockpit when the aircraft was still descending sharply and pulled back on the flight controls. He said the plane began to level out before another pilot took over.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later praised Machchhar, describing his actions as an “amazing act of heroism”. The Indian pilot is now being treated at a Saudi hospital.<h2>The passengers who rushed into the cockpit</h2>Passengers also played a crucial role in the emergency. One passenger identified as Yaniv said he confronted the alleged attacker and placed him in a hold before pulling him away from the controls.Another passenger, Zvika Manes, said he and two other Israelis used corded headphones to restrain and tie up the co-pilot. Manes said the struggle took roughly 20 to 25 minutes.Yaniv said he managed to take control of the aircraft temporarily. When Netanyahu asked how he knew what to do, the passenger joked that he had watched Mayday, the television documentary series about aviation disasters.<h2>The Aftermath: What happened after the emergency landing?</h2>The aircraft diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Flydubai said all passengers were safe, with media reports saying 166 of the 174 passengers were Israeli. The co-pilot was also reportedly injured by the time the aircraft landed.Israel has since said it plans to strengthen security checks on pilots operating flights into the country. An official in Netanyahu's office said authorities would seek to establish the identities of pilots flying into Israel and conduct additional security checks.&nbsp;

A Flydubai flight carrying 174 passengers plunged thousands of feet after its captain was allegedly attacked by the co-pilot. The aircraft eventually landed safely in Saudi Arabia, but major questions remain over the accused pilot and his motive. All we know.

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (Sep 30) after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain in the cockpit, triggering a struggle for control of the aircraft. The Boeing 737, operating as flight FZ1073, reportedly descended sharply over Jordanian airspace before passengers and crew intervened. All 174 passengers were eventually brought to safety. The name of the hero pilot who has been credited with preventing what could've been a tragedy has been made public. Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar has been hailed as a "hero" by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But who was the co-pilot behind the horrific stabbing and attempted plane crash? Here's all we know. Also read | ‘HERO’: PM Modi praises Indian pilot Smit Machchhar who helped avert Flydubai tragedy The identity: Who is the alleged attacker? The alleged attacker was the first officer, or co-pilot, rostered on Flydubai flight FZ1073. Israeli officials have identified him as an Omani national, but his name has not been publicly released by Israel, Flydubai or Saudi authorities. Notably, Israeli media previously reported different nationalities, including Russian or Ukrainian. The co-pilot was arrested after the aircraft landed at Tabuk Airport and is being detained in Saudi Arabia, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. What happened inside the cockpit? According to reports, roughly two and a half hours into the flight, the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar, leaving him seriously injured. The co-pilot then allegedly pushed the flight controls forward, sending the aircraft into a steep descent. Flight-tracking data indicated that the plane lost approximately 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds, while other accounts put the altitude loss at around 17,000 feet within a minute. The injured captain reportedly managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers to rush inside and eventually subdue the attacker. Also read | Who is Capt. Smit Machchhar, Indian pilot who helped avert Flydubai disaster? The motive: Why did the co-pilot attack the pilot? Passenger accounts suggest that the co-pilot appeared to be trying to disable the controls. At the time this report was published, the motive had not been established. However, speculations and accusations continue to circulate. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has described the incident as an “attempted jihadist terror attack” and said the alleged attacker intended to crash the aircraft with its Israeli passengers. Israel's Foreign Ministry has called the incident an attempted terrorist attack against Israelis, the UAE and the Abraham Accords, while Israel and the UAE have said they intend to work together against extremist elements. Netanyahu offered a somewhat different preliminary description, saying the incident appeared to involve an extended suicide or sabotage attempt. Flydubai, however, has explicitly said the reasons and motives behind the cockpit altercation remain unknown and are subject to a formal investigation. How Captain Smit Machchhar helped save the plane Despite being stabbed multiple times, Machchhar mustered the strength to unlock the cockpit door. That gave passengers the opportunity to enter the flight deck and confront the co-pilot. Israeli passenger Yaniv, who was among those who entered the cockpit, said the alleged attacker was on the controls and appeared to be trying to damage them. After helping pull the man away from the controls, Yaniv returned to the cockpit when the aircraft was still descending sharply and pulled back on the flight controls. He said the plane began to level out before another pilot took over. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later praised Machchhar, describing his actions as an “amazing act of heroism”. The Indian pilot is now being treated at a Saudi hospital. The passengers who rushed into the cockpit Passengers also played a crucial role in the emergency. One passenger identified as Yaniv said he confronted the alleged attacker and placed him in a hold before pulling him away from the controls. Another passenger, Zvika Manes, said he and two other Israelis used corded headphones to restrain and tie up the co-pilot. Manes said the struggle took roughly 20 to 25 minutes. Yaniv said he managed to take control of the aircraft temporarily. When Netanyahu asked how he knew what to do, the passenger joked that he had watched Mayday, the television documentary series about aviation disasters. The Aftermath: What happened after the emergency landing? The aircraft diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Flydubai said all passengers were safe, with media reports saying 166 of the 174 passengers were Israeli. The co-pilot was also reportedly injured by the time the aircraft landed. Israel has since said it plans to strengthen security checks on pilots operating flights into the country. An official in Netanyahu's office said authorities would seek to establish the identities of pilots flying into Israel and conduct additional security checks.

A Flydubai flight carrying 174 passengers plunged thousands of feet after its captain was allegedly attacked by the co-pilot. The aircraft eventually landed safely in Saudi Arabia, but major questions remain over the accused pilot and his motive. All we know.

Flydubai cockpit attack: All we know about co-pilot accused of stabbing Smit Machchhar, trying to crash plane with 174 passengers onboard

After the security incident involving flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, Flydubai on Wednesday said it suspended all flights to and from Israel. The suspension made in coordination with the relevant authorities will remain in place until the investigation is not completed. The decision will be reviewed by the airline “as more information becomes available”, said a Flydubai spokesperson.&nbsp;“The safety and wellbeing of our passengers, crew and operations remain our highest priority," the spokesperson said and added, “This temporary suspension will allow the relevant authorities to continue their work and establish all the facts surrounding the incident.”&nbsp;The carrier said it is fully supporting the investigation and is in close coordination with government authorities, regulators and airport stakeholders in this regard.&nbsp;“We apologise to passengers whose travel plans have been affected and are working to provide support and alternative arrangements where possible,” the spokesperson said.&nbsp;<h2>What happened on the Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv</h2>&nbsp;On September 30, the Flydubai flight FZ1073 was on its way to Israeli capital Tel Aviv from Dubai with roughly 150 to 180 passengers when it experienced a violent, rapid dive, plunging between 14,000 and 17,000 feet in under two minutes. This happened when Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the plane.&nbsp;As the aircraft plunged, flydubai Flight FZ1073, the aircraft's cockpit transponder sent code 7500, the universal aviation signal for an unlawful interference or hijacking. This alerted neighboring air traffic sectors, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, that the aircraft’s command systems were actively compromised. Despite suffering injuries, Indian pilot managed to unlock the cockpit door.&nbsp;A passenger identified as Yaniv Hayun, alongside others, overpowered and restrained the co-pilot. A reserve crew consisting of a second pair of flydubai pilots who happened to be traveling aboard the flight took control of the aircraft. They safely diverted and landed the plane at Tabuk Regional Airport (TUU) in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

The carrier said it is fully supporting the investigation and is in close coordination with government authorities, regulators and airport stakeholders in this regard.

After the security incident involving flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, Flydubai on Wednesday said it suspended all flights to and from Israel. The suspension made in coordination with the relevant authorities will remain in place until the investigation is not completed. The decision will be reviewed by the airline “as more information becomes available”, said a Flydubai spokesperson. “The safety and wellbeing of our passengers, crew and operations remain our highest priority," the spokesperson said and added, “This temporary suspension will allow the relevant authorities to continue their work and establish all the facts surrounding the incident.” The carrier said it is fully supporting the investigation and is in close coordination with government authorities, regulators and airport stakeholders in this regard. “We apologise to passengers whose travel plans have been affected and are working to provide support and alternative arrangements where possible,” the spokesperson said. What happened on the Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv On September 30, the Flydubai flight FZ1073 was on its way to Israeli capital Tel Aviv from Dubai with roughly 150 to 180 passengers when it experienced a violent, rapid dive, plunging between 14,000 and 17,000 feet in under two minutes. This happened when Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the plane. As the aircraft plunged, flydubai Flight FZ1073, the aircraft's cockpit transponder sent code 7500, the universal aviation signal for an unlawful interference or hijacking. This alerted neighboring air traffic sectors, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, that the aircraft’s command systems were actively compromised. Despite suffering injuries, Indian pilot managed to unlock the cockpit door. A passenger identified as Yaniv Hayun, alongside others, overpowered and restrained the co-pilot. A reserve crew consisting of a second pair of flydubai pilots who happened to be traveling aboard the flight took control of the aircraft. They safely diverted and landed the plane at Tabuk Regional Airport (TUU) in Saudi Arabia.

The carrier said it is fully supporting the investigation and is in close coordination with government authorities, regulators and airport stakeholders in this regard.

Flydubai cockpit attack: Airline suspends all Israel flights amid investigation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his latest statement, did not rule our Iranian involvement in the Flydubai incident but also did not confirm it. It said that he doesn’t know “the exact background” of the flydubai copilot who attacked the captain but added that the copilot "obviously hated Israelis.”&nbsp;“That is fanaticism and hatred of an incalculable level,” Netanyahu said. About Iranian involvement in the attack, Netanyahu said, “It’s too early to say.” “The attacking pilot is now being investigated Saudi Arabia. I think he’ll be taken to the Emirates where he comes from — or at least where he flew off from. We’ll be following and also possibly participating in this investigation.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hero-indian-captain-stops-cockpit-attack-on-tel-aviv-bound-flydubai-jet-1790785514453">Hero Indian captain stops cockpit attack on Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai jet</a>&nbsp;Earlier on Sep 30, Netanyahu called it “extremely serious security incident.” “This morning there was an extremely serious security incident. Almost all of the passengers on the flight were Israelis,” he said in his first reaction after the incident. Netanyahu added that as the plane drew close to Israel, “one of the pilots stabbed the other pilot, and all indications show that he tried to crash the plane along with its passengers.” The PM said that he spoke to an Israeli passenger. “He told me that the plane went into a dive. He told me that somehow, he managed to break into the cockpit with one of the crew members, and together they managed to stop the pilot while he was attempting to damage the plane’s systems.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flydubai-passengers-land-in-tel-aviv-on-second-flight-after-hijack-scare-1790787192601">Flydubai passengers land in Tel Aviv after hijack scare, emergency landing in Saudi</a><h2>What happened?</h2>Flydubai flight FZ1073 which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv with roughly 150 to 180 mostly Israeli passengers, experienced a violent, rapid dive, plunging between 14,000 and 17,000 feet in under two minutes. This happened when Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the plane. As the aircraft plunged, the aircraft's cockpit transponder sent code 7500, the universal aviation signal for an unlawful interference or hijacking. This alerted neighboring air traffic sectors, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, that the aircraft’s command systems were actively compromised. Despite suffering injuries, Indian pilot managed to unlock the cockpit door. A passenger identified as Yaniv Hayun, alongside others, overpowered and restrained the co-pilot. A reserve crew consisting of a second pair of flydubai pilots who happened to be traveling aboard the flight took control of the aircraft. They safely diverted and landed the plane at Tabuk Regional Airport (TUU) in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Flydubai co-pilot who allegedly stabbed Indian pilot Smit Machchhar appeared to have tried to crash the plane and “obviously hated Israelis”. Netanyahu said it was too early to determine whether Iran was involved 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in his latest statement, did not rule our Iranian involvement in the Flydubai incident but also did not confirm it. It said that he doesn’t know “the exact background” of the flydubai copilot who attacked the captain but added that the copilot "obviously hated Israelis.” “That is fanaticism and hatred of an incalculable level,” Netanyahu said. About Iranian involvement in the attack, Netanyahu said, “It’s too early to say.” “The attacking pilot is now being investigated Saudi Arabia. I think he’ll be taken to the Emirates where he comes from — or at least where he flew off from. We’ll be following and also possibly participating in this investigation.” Also Read: Hero Indian captain stops cockpit attack on Tel Aviv-bound Flydubai jet Earlier on Sep 30, Netanyahu called it “extremely serious security incident.” “This morning there was an extremely serious security incident. Almost all of the passengers on the flight were Israelis,” he said in his first reaction after the incident. Netanyahu added that as the plane drew close to Israel, “one of the pilots stabbed the other pilot, and all indications show that he tried to crash the plane along with its passengers.” The PM said that he spoke to an Israeli passenger. “He told me that the plane went into a dive. He told me that somehow, he managed to break into the cockpit with one of the crew members, and together they managed to stop the pilot while he was attempting to damage the plane’s systems.” Also Read: Flydubai passengers land in Tel Aviv after hijack scare, emergency landing in Saudi What happened? Flydubai flight FZ1073 which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv with roughly 150 to 180 mostly Israeli passengers, experienced a violent, rapid dive, plunging between 14,000 and 17,000 feet in under two minutes. This happened when Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed by his co-pilot who allegedly attempted to crash the plane. As the aircraft plunged, the aircraft's cockpit transponder sent code 7500, the universal aviation signal for an unlawful interference or hijacking. This alerted neighboring air traffic sectors, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, that the aircraft’s command systems were actively compromised. Despite suffering injuries, Indian pilot managed to unlock the cockpit door. A passenger identified as Yaniv Hayun, alongside others, overpowered and restrained the co-pilot. A reserve crew consisting of a second pair of flydubai pilots who happened to be traveling aboard the flight took control of the aircraft. They safely diverted and landed the plane at Tabuk Regional Airport (TUU) in Saudi Arabia.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Flydubai co-pilot who allegedly stabbed Indian pilot Smit Machchhar appeared to have tried to crash the plane and “obviously hated Israelis”. Netanyahu said it was too early to determine whether Iran was involved&nbsp;

'Obviously hated Israelis': Netanyahu doesn't rule out Iran link in Flydubai attack, but calls it 'too early'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Oct 1) hailed Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a “HERO” after he was seriously injured during a mid-air cockpit attack on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, an incident that forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The flight, carrying 174 people, was diverted to Tabuk on Wednesday after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar during the journey and was accused by Israeli officials of attempting to crash the aircraft. The co-pilot was overpowered after passengers and crew intervened, while additional Flydubai pilots on board took control and landed the aircraft safely. The motive behind the co-pilot's actions remains under investigation. Previously, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said that the co-pilot of the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight had been trying to crash it and kill all its passengers, but Captain Machchhar "prevented a major disaster".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-terrorist-job-trump-reacts-to-flydubai-cockpit-attack-hails-indian-pilot-what-he-said-1790818709328">Trump reacts to Flydubai cockpit attack, hails Indian pilot</a>

<h2>‘India is proud of Captain Machchhar’</h2>In a post on X, Modi praised Machchhar for his actions despite suffering serious injuries. “Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO,” the prime minister wrote. “In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others,” Modi said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Captain Smit Machchhar is a HERO. In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others. His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy. India is proud of…&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://x.com/narendramodi/status/2105469867390554194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy,” he added, while wishing the pilot a speedy recovery and good health. The Indian pilot has been receiving treatment at a hospital in Saudi Arabia. He was identified as an Indian national after the incident.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-a-nation-of-lions-israeli-man-who-stormed-into-cockpit-held-attacker-pilot-in-chokehold-tells-netanyahu-1790793966746">‘A true hero of extraordinary bravery,’ Netanyahu praises attacked Indian pilot</a><h2>What happened aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073?</h2>According to passengers and Israeli officials, the aircraft experienced a sudden and severe descent as the confrontation unfolded in the cockpit. Reuters reported that the plane dropped nearly 14,000 feet in about 30 seconds before passengers and crew managed to intervene. Machchhar, despite being wounded, was able to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and subdue the attacker. Off-duty Flydubai pilots travelling as passengers then helped take control of the aircraft.Netanyahu's spokesperson later said the wounded captain used “the last moments of his energy” to open the cockpit door, enabling passengers to reach the flight deck.The aircraft subsequently landed safely at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia. The passengers were later flown back to Israel. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed Indian Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar as a “hero” after a violent cockpit confrontation forced an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has also praised the pilot’s actions.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (Oct 1) hailed Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a “HERO” after he was seriously injured during a mid-air cockpit attack on a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, an incident that forced the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The flight, carrying 174 people, was diverted to Tabuk on Wednesday after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar during the journey and was accused by Israeli officials of attempting to crash the aircraft. The co-pilot was overpowered after passengers and crew intervened, while additional Flydubai pilots on board took control and landed the aircraft safely. The motive behind the co-pilot's actions remains under investigation. Previously, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said that the co-pilot of the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight had been trying to crash it and kill all its passengers, but Captain Machchhar "prevented a major disaster". Also read | Trump reacts to Flydubai cockpit attack, hails Indian pilot

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed Indian Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar as a “hero” after a violent cockpit confrontation forced an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has also praised the pilot’s actions.

‘HERO’: PM Modi praises Indian pilot Smit Machchhar who helped avert Flydubai tragedy

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Flydubai cockpit attack: All we know about co-pilot accused of stabbing Smit Machchhar, trying to crash plane with 174 passengers onboard

Flydubai cockpit attack: Airline suspends all Israel flights amid investigation

Netanyahu doesn't rule out Iran link in Flydubai attack, but says 'too early'

‘HERO’: Modi praises Indian pilot Smit Machchhar for averting Flydubai tragedy