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Flydubai Flight Lands Safely After Co-Pilot Stabbing Attack

By Drooid · Oct 4, 2026, 2:14 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Omani Co-pilot Stabs

Omani co-pilot stabbed Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar on flight FZ1073.
Despite his wounds, Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers to subdue the attacker.
Two other pilots took control and landed the aircraft safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Machchhar a hero and announced an investigation.
UAE, Saudi and Israeli investigators are questioning the Omani co-pilot in Saudi custody, motive unknown.

Summary

Flydubai Hires Co-pilot

Oman Air grounded the co-pilot in 2024 after discovering his visits to radical Islamic websites.
Flydubai hired him without consulting Oman Air despite his prior suspension from flying duties.
Australian agencies, including the AFP and ASIO, are probing his possible links to Australia after his 2014-2017 student visa.
The crash axe used in the attack is stored unlocked behind his seat, allowing easy access.

History

Historical Context

The September 11, 2001 attacks, carried out by 19 al-Qaeda hijackers—15 Saudi nationals—prompted stricter cockpit security and worldwide aviation reforms. Those measures aimed to stop insider attacks, a threat that resurfaced when an Omani co-pilot stabbed Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar. The incident has revived cross-border investigations by regional Gulf and Western authorities.

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Omani Co-pilot Stabs

Omani co-pilot stabbed Flydubai captain Smit Machchhar on flight FZ1073.
Despite his wounds, Machchhar opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers to subdue the attacker.
Two other pilots took control and landed the aircraft safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Machchhar a hero and announced an investigation.
UAE, Saudi and Israeli investigators are questioning the Omani co-pilot in Saudi custody, motive unknown.

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