Israel: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was too early to determine the motive behind an incident aboard a Flydubai flight in which one pilot allegedly stabbed another and attempted to take control of the aircraft during its journey from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
How Was the Aircraft Brought Under Control?
The Flydubai FZ1073 aircraft was carrying 174 people when it rapidly descended more than 17,000 feet over Saudi Arabia during the incident.
Passengers and crew members entered the cockpit and overpowered the alleged attacker. The injured captain, identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar, reportedly managed to open the cockpit door despite being seriously injured.
Two off-duty Flydubai crew members travelling on the aircraft subsequently took control and diverted the plane to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
What Is Known About the Suspected Attacker?
The alleged attacker was arrested in Saudi Arabia after the emergency landing. Authorities have not established a motive.
Netanyahu said there was currently no basis to determine whether Iran was involved. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz separately described the incident as an attempted “jihadist terror attack,” without providing supporting details.
US President Donald Trump also said the attacker could have been a terrorist or acting for other reasons, while acknowledging that the circumstances remained unclear.
What Happened During the Flight?
Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft making a rapid descent before issuing emergency and hijacking signals. The plane subsequently turned back toward Saudi Arabia and landed at Tabuk Airport.
Passengers later described breaking into the cockpit and restraining the attacker. Flydubai confirmed that an altercation had occurred in the flight deck and said crew members secured the aircraft before diverting it safely.
What Is the Condition of the Injured Captain?
Machchhar was taken to hospital and was reported to be in a stable condition. Netanyahu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his actions during the incident.
The passengers later reached Tel Aviv on a separate repatriation flight, where they were met by relatives and supporters. The incident remains under investigation by the relevant authorities.