FlyDubai Co-Pilot Stabbed Captain, Tried to Crash Plane, Netanyahu Says

FZ1073, a flydubai service bound for Tel Aviv from Dubai with more than 170 passengers and crew aboard, was diverted into an emergency landing in Tabuk, northwest Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday after the Omani co-pilot stabbed the captain with a pocketknife and apparently attempted to crash the aircraft, Netanyahu said; a passenger helped subdue the attacker before the plane landed safely.⁴¹⁷⁵

The attack and emergency landing

The flight took off from Dubai International Airport bound for Ben Gurion International Airport and reached roughly 34,000 feet before undergoing a steep drop, then a sudden climb, followed by another sharp dive, Gulf News reported. Within approximately one minute, the aircraft's altitude fell from roughly 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet, The Independent and ETV Bharat reported.⁵³⁶

The aircraft transmitted the emergency transponder code 7700, then switched to code 7500, which signals unlawful interference, before turning west and briefly entering Jordanian airspace, then turning back toward Saudi Arabia, according to Gulf News. A distress call was picked up by controllers in Tabuk, and the aircraft touched down safely at Tabuk Airport, after which the injured captain and first officer were taken to hospital, the outlet reported.⁵¹

Netanyahu said the co-pilot stabbed the captain with a pocketknife and apparently attempted to crash the aircraft. A passenger helped subdue the attacker before the plane landed safely, according to Netanyahu's office.²⁷

Saudi Arabia arrested the co-pilot, according to the BBC and The Independent. All passengers subsequently departed Tabuk on an alternative aircraft for Tel Aviv, according to Gulf News.³¹⁵

Captain's condition and recognition

According to ETV Bharat, Captain Machchhar, a Mumbai resident of Gujarati heritage, had emergency surgery performed at a Tabuk military hospital before he was flown to the UAE to continue his recovery. The Indian Embassy in the UAE said Captain Machchhar was in good health and recovering well. the embassy added that it continues working closely with local authorities to support his ongoing medical care and welfare.⁶

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by telephone with Captain Machchhar's wife and parents, according to ETV Bharat. Israeli President Isaac Herzog recommended five Israeli passengers, among them Asaf Rajuan, Yaniv Hayun, Tzvika Manes and Tali Manes, for the President's Medal for Civilian Bravery, the outlet reported. Netanyahu said he saluted Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his remarkable courage. He is a true hero."⁶

Political reaction and Iran claim

Netanyahu said the attacker underwent Islamist radical indoctrination, according to the BBC and The Hindu, though he said it was too early to determine Iran's involvement. The Jerusalem Post and Al Jazeera reported that Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, characterized the episode as a jihadist terrorism attempt, with other Israeli officials subsequently urging a stronger military response. Al Jazeera noted the episode has given Netanyahu a new security message ahead of an Israeli vote.¹⁸⁹²

According to Middle East Eye, the United States is coordinating closely with Israeli counterparts on the incident. Separately, Netanyahu claimed Israel had warned Britain of an Iranian-sponsored attack ahead of an incident near RAF Fairford, after which the UK imposed sanctions on Israel, according to The Independent. The Independent reported that five men in their mid-20s were detained close to the base on suspicion of explosives- and terrorism-related offenses; searches of the vehicles turned up fuel but no actual explosive devices, and the base has recently hosted American bomber aircraft.¹¹³

FlyDubai's response

FlyDubai suspended flights to and from Israel and said: "We urge all parties to refrain from premature speculation while authorities gather the facts." The airline added: "The safety and wellbeing of our passengers, crew and operations remain our highest priority." The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority said "the safety and security of passengers and crew members remain its top priorities," and the UAE opened its own judicial investigation into the incident, which it has jurisdiction over, according to Gulf News and the BBC.⁵¹

Political fallout and dispute over security briefing

Israeli Transport Minister Miri Regev called for a halt to FlyDubai flights to Israel following the incident, according to TASS, a move the airline subsequently adopted.⁷⁵

According to Al Jazeera, opposition figure Yair Lapid denied the attack was tied to a security briefing Netanyahu had given him the night before, stating that no such scenario had come up and arguing that threats to national security ought to be treated as professional matters rather than exploited for campaign purposes. Netanyahu's office said he was consulting with ministers and monitoring developments.²⁵

The US State Department confirmed four American citizens were aboard the diverted flight and said it was coordinating with Saudi authorities and ready to provide consular assistance, according to Middle East Eye.¹⁴