Full Breakdown
Flydubai Flight FZ1073: In-flight Stabbing, Emergency Landing and Ongoing Investigations
By Drooid · · How we work
The Incident on September 30, 2026
On September 30, 2026 a Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 operating Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced a cockpit altercation. An Omani-national co-pilot stabbed the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, and the aircraft descended 14,000–17,000 feet in about a minute. The plane transmitted squawk 7700, switched to 7500, then reverted to 7700 before landing safely at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All passengers and crew survived; the two pilots were hospitalized.
Background & Context
The flight occurred amid heightened regional tension. Israel had warned on September 29 of possible attacks ahead of its October 27 election, and the incident unfolded less than a week after the anniversary of the Oct 7, 2023 Hamas assault. Since the 2020 Abraham Accords, Flydubai has linked the UAE and Israel with regular service.
Data & Statistics
- Passengers: roughly 170, including about 166 Israeli nationals.
- Altitude loss: 14,000–17,000 feet (?4,300–5,200 m) in under a minute, per Flightradar24.
- Emergency codes: 7700 -> 7500 -> 7700.
- Aircraft registration: A6-FKF, Boeing 737 MAX 8.
Official Statements & Responses
Defence Minister Israel Katz called the event an “attempted jihadist terror attack.” President Isaac Herzog announced “heroism” awards for five individuals who helped subdue the attacker.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Early coverage varied on the nature of the event. Israeli officials described it as a “terror attack,” while a Reuters-cited source said the pilots’ fight, not a hijacking, triggered the emergency signals. The co-pilot’s Omani nationality is consistently reported, but the airline has not confirmed his identity, and Oman has not commented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I salute these heroes who demonstrated extraordinary resourcefulness and courage,” — Benjamin Netanyahu.
- “You put yourselves at risk to save others and prevented a terrible disater,” — Isaac Herzog.
What’s Next
UAE attorney-general Hamad Saif Al Shamsi ordered a specialised prosecution team on October 1 to collect evidence and assess any terrorist link. Israel will join the investigation and has requested the suspect’s transfer to the UAE for questioning. The timeline remains undisclosed, but parties have pledged coordination with Saudi, UAE and U.S. authorities. Flight operations between Flydubai and Israel remain suspended pending the inquiries.