Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026
1 UAE Confirms Security Probe Into Flydubai Cockpit Attack↩︎ 🌍 World Sep 30, 1:51 AM EDT 790/134
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that a security incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 left crew members injured and said its investigation covers both operational and security issues. The authority urged the public not to rely on unofficial information or draw conclusions before investigators establish the findings.
The Dubai to Tel Aviv flight landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and passengers helped subdue him. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacker “apparently attempted to crash the plane, with everyone on board” and was arrested by Saudi authorities. Flydubai said the reasons and motives remain unknown. Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national who passengers said opened the cockpit door before collapsing, is recovering in a Saudi hospital, an Indian colleague told i24NEWS reporter Ariel Oseran.
Netanyahu spoke with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed following the incident and is due to discuss it with President Donald Trump, an Israeli official said. The passengers returned to Israel aboard a replacement Flydubai aircraft, and Netanyahu met those who helped restrain the attacker at Ben Gurion Airport.