Full Breakdown

UAE President Honors Flydubai Crew After Mid-air Axe Attack

By Drooid · Oct 29, 2026 · How we work

In this breakdown

Mid-air Attack on Flydubai Flight 1073

On September 30, flydubai Flight 1073 departed Dubai for Tel Aviv when the Omani-born co-pilot assaulted Captain Smit Machchhar with an axe, attempting to seize control of the aircraft. Despite severe head injuries, the captain unlocked the cockpit door, enabling crew and passengers to restrain the assailant. The plane descended roughly 17,000 feet before being diverted and landing safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, preserving the lives of more than 170 passengers.

The National News

Presidential Honors and Public Support

At a reception in Abu Dhabi, President Sheikh Mohamed embraced the injured captain, inquired about his recovery, and jokingly offered to teach him jiu-jitsu. He declared the crew “part of the UAE family” and presented the First Class Order of Zayed II to the flight team. Sheikh Hamdan, Crown Prince of Dubai, also commended the crew’s responsibility, emphasizing that safeguarding human life remains the UAE’s highest priority.

The National News

Visual evidence

Flydubai co-pilot attempted 9/11-style attack on Tel Aviv and trained for cockpit fightPhoto: thenationalnews

UAE President jokes about jiu-jitsu lessons for hero flydubai pilotPhoto: thenationalnews

Flydubai captain on the cockpit battle to save his planePhoto: thenationalnews

President honours flydubai crew for courage during September 30 mid-air attackPhoto: thenationalnews

Investigation Findings on the Co-pilot

UAE Attorney General Hamad Al Shamsi announced that the 29-year-old co-pilot had planned a “9/11-style” suicide attack on Ben Gurion Airport. According to his confession, the suspect was inspired by the attacks on September 11, 2001 and pursued a career in aviation to replicate that act. His employment history includes Oman Air (2020-2024), a brief stint with Royal Air Maroc in 2025, and joining flydubai in January 2026. Security checks at the time of hiring revealed no indication of extremist views.

The National News