A Flydubai pilot allegedly stabbed his fellow pilot in the cockpit during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, in what Israeli officials said appeared to be an attempt to crash the aircraft.
The incident happened aboard Flydubai Flight 1073, which was carrying about 180 passengers and crew members.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said one of the pilots attacked the other and appeared to try to bring down the plane.
The aircraft went into a sharp descent after the cockpit attack, according to reports.
Passengers and crew members intervened after the incident. One passenger reportedly managed to enter the cockpit and restrain the attacker, while other pilots on board helped take control of the aircraft.
The flight was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Netanyahu identified the injured pilot as Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national. He praised Machchhar and the passengers who intervened during the incident.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the incident as an attempted terrorist attack.
Saudi authorities arrested the suspected attacker, who officials identified as an Omani national, for questioning.
The incident is under investigation. Flydubai also suspended its flights to and from Israel following the incident.
Authorities have not yet released a full account of what led to the cockpit attack or confirmed the suspect’s motive.
