A man who had been under training as a co-pilot for Oman Air allegedly attacked his captain with a knife and attempted to crash a Flydubai flight on September 30. The incident, which occurred in Saudi Arabian airspace, forced an emergency landing in Tabuk and has prompted Flydubai to suspend all flights to and from Israel while authorities in Israel, the United Arab Emirates and the USA conduct an investigation.
The flight, carrying 174 passengers—166 of whom were Israelis—was diverted after the co-pilot, a national of Oman, attacked captain Smit Machchhar. The Boeing 737 flight FZ1073 also had eight crew members on board. Machchhar was stabbed in the cockpit but managed to unlock the door as the plane descended sharply, allowing passengers and off-duty crew members to intervene and subdue the attacker.
Oman Air Discovered Extremist Material in Suspect's Possession
The suspect had been under training as a co-pilot for Oman Air in 2024. During that tenure, the airline reportedly discovered extremist material in his possession, leading to a flight ban. Despite being deemed a security risk, he was retained by Oman Air in an administrative role before later securing employment as a co-pilot with Flydubai. Authorities are currently investigating how he was hired and cleared to fly despite the prior ban. The Washington Street Journal also reported on the flight ban.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News that the suspect had undergone "Islamist indoctrination." While the pilot’s precise motive remains under official investigation, intelligence sources suggested the suspect may have intended to crash the aircraft over Israel.
The Emergency Intervention in Saudi Arabia
When the struggle broke out, the aircraft entered a steep descent. Passengers heard shouting and heavy impacts from behind the cockpit door before it was opened. Witness reports describe seeing blood on the walls and a severely injured Machchhar fighting the co-pilot, who held a sharp object. Once inside, passengers and a dentist, Shota Musayev, provided first aid to the wounded Captain Machchhar, who had bandages around his head and hands.
Other pilots who were traveling as passengers on the flight took control of the aircraft, stabilizing the descent before landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, approximately 90 minutes later. The suspect was initially held in Saudi custody but has since been transferred to the United Arab Emirates. Netanyahu told Sean Hannity on Fox News that Israel would monitor and possibly participate in the investigation.
Israel Announces Stricter Security Vetting for Pilots
In response to the incident, Israeli authorities have announced stricter security vetting for pilots operating flights to the country. The identity of flight crews will now be screened in advance as part of enhanced security protocols.
While Israeli officials have characterized the event as a "jihadist terror attack," the investigation is ongoing. The Shin Bet and Mossad are treating the event as a possible terror attempt. Questions remain regarding the specific failures in the aviation industry’s background check processes that allowed his employment to continue after the initial security flag in 2024.
Captain Smit Machchhar Survived the Attack
What is the current condition of the injured captain?
Captain Smit Machchhar survived the attack and was treated at a hospital in Abu Dhabi. He is a 39-year-old father of two. He has since been publicly praised by the Prime Ministers of both India and Israel for his actions in opening the cockpit door while severely wounded, which allowed passengers to enter and stabilize the aircraft. Narendra Modi stated that Machchhar’s "bravery helped save hundreds of lives and avert a major tragedy." A portrait of the pilot is being painted by an art teacher in Mumbai.
Are there confirmed links to state-sponsored terrorism?
As of now, there is no official confirmation of state involvement. When asked about potential Iranian involvement during an interview with Fox News, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that it was too early to determine who stood behind the incident.
How did the passengers gain control of the aircraft?
After Captain Machchhar unlocked the cockpit door, several passengers, including a man identified as Yaniv Hayum, entered the cockpit and physically overpowered the co-pilot. Four people entered the cockpit, including Asaf Rajuan. The suspect was subsequently bound with wiring and plastic restraints until the flight could be landed in Saudi Arabia. Hayum later met Prime Minister Netanyahu while wearing blood-stained clothes, apologizing for not having his luggage to change. Netanyahu called him a hero, stating that the courage of the pilot, crew, and passengers prevented a "September 11-like disaster." The Israeli passengers eventually landed safely in Tel Aviv on Wednesday evening.
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