TEL AVIV — A FlyDubai flight carrying 174 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain during the flight, according to Israeli authorities and passengers. The aircraft later landed safely, while the injured captain was taken for medical treatment and the co-pilot was arrested.
What happened aboard the flight
The incident occurred while Flight FZ1073 was travelling toward Israel. According to witnesses and Israeli officials, the co-pilot attacked the captain inside the cockpit. Passengers intervened after the cockpit door was opened, helping crew members restrain the attacker.
Emergency landing in Saudi Arabia
The aircraft diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely in Tabuk. Emergency services treated passengers after the landing, with Israeli authorities saying several people suffered minor injuries during the incident.
Captain injured
The captain, identified by Israeli officials as Indian national Smit Machchhar, suffered serious injuries. Authorities said he remained stable after receiving medical treatment.
Co-pilot arrested
The co-pilot was arrested by Saudi authorities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the suspect was an Omani national and was being interrogated in Saudi Arabia. Investigators had not established a confirmed motive in the initial reports.
Why the incident is unusual
Commercial aircraft have strict cockpit-access and security procedures. Pilots are subject to background checks and aviation authorities require airlines to maintain systems intended to protect flight operations.
Passengers helped restrain the attacker
Passengers and crew members played a role in stopping the attack. Their intervention helped prevent the confrontation from continuing while the aircraft was still airborne.
Israel reviews pilot security
Israel announced that it planned to increase security checks on pilots flying into the country following the incident. The review is expected to examine how pilot identification and security procedures are applied.
International investigations
Several authorities are examining the incident, including Saudi and Israeli officials. FlyDubai and aviation authorities in the United Arab Emirates are also expected to cooperate with investigators.
Why pilot screening matters
Pilots already undergo extensive security and professional checks, particularly following changes introduced across the aviation industry after the September 11 attacks. International standards are set by aviation bodies, although individual countries and airlines implement them through their own procedures.
What happens next
Investigators will need to establish the sequence of events inside the cockpit, determine the motive and examine whether existing security procedures were followed. Any future changes will depend on official findings.
Read more aviation crime and accident reports in our International News section.
Sources: Associated Press and Reuters, September 30, 2026.
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