Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images
BY: MADDY BOLDEN
PUBLISHED: SEP 30, 2026 3:00 CT
Midair Attack: Passengers Help Subdue Pilot on FlyDubai Flight
Passengers aboard a FlyDubai flight to Tel Aviv helped subdue a pilot Wednesday after he allegedly stabbed the copilot and attempted to interfere with the aircraft’s systems, Israeli officials said.
Flight 1073 was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the incident occurred. The aircraft reportedly plunged from about 34,000 feet to 16,000 feet in roughly three minutes, causing panic among passengers.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the plane went into a spin and began to dive. He said the injured copilot, identified as Capt. Smit Machchhar of India, fought back and opened the cockpit door.
Passengers and a crew member then entered the cockpit and helped subdue the pilot, according to Netanyahu. Another crew member helped stabilize the aircraft.
Flight tracking data showed the aircraft’s emergency transponder code was later changed to indicate a hijacking or other unlawful interference.
The plane was diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. The injured copilot was treated in Saudi Arabia, while the suspect was detained, according to Israeli officials.
Israeli officials are investigating the incident as a possible terrorist attack. Defense Minister Israel Katz said preliminary information indicated the suspect intended to crash the aircraft and kill those aboard.
Authorities have not publicly established a motive for the alleged attack.
FlyDubai confirmed that the aircraft experienced an incident while en route and landed in Tabuk.
The passengers were later transported back to Israel. Israeli officials said an initial assessment indicated that no passengers required medical treatment.
U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said U.S. officials were coordinating with counterparts overseas and that there were no credible threats to the United States.
The investigation remains ongoing.
