Netanyahu says Israel will get to the 'root' of co-pilot in foiled bid to crash flydubai flight
Passengers and crew overpowered the attacker after the flight plunged nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds, Reuters reported.
- On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, a co-pilot aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 stabbed the captain mid-flight, forcing an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the aircraft plunged nearly 14,000 feet.
- Passengers and crew forced entry into the cockpit, overpowering the attacker and enabling a second pair of off-duty pilots to stabilize the Boeing 737, according to Israeli officials.
- Flightradar24 data shows the aircraft plummeted from 34,000 feet to about 16,600 feet in roughly a minute, while injured Captain Smit Machchhar received life-saving medical treatment from a passenger.
- All 174 passengers returned safely to Israel on Wednesday evening, while Saudi authorities detained the Omani national suspect for interrogation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed.
- Coordinated investigations by Saudi Arabia and Israel seek to determine the attacker's motive and assess potential links to extremist elements, with officials evaluating security protocols across regional aviation.
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Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced that he wanted to decorate the Israeli passengers who had prevented the crash of the flydubai aircraft. At the same time, the United Arab Emirates announced the opening of an investigation.
Attacker's identity and motive unknown after flydubai flight to Israel escapes disaster after pilot stabbed
Saudi and UAE authorities have said little publicly beyond confirming that investigations were underway. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the copilot was arrested.
Rejoicing reception in Tel Aviv: A replacement engine brought the passengers of the Flydubai flight to Israel. Eyewitnesses report a battle in the cockpit and steep descent. From Felicitas Boeselager.
A copilot is said to have attacked the pilot and launched a fall flight. Thanks to courageous passengers a disaster could be prevented.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said on Thursday he would present presidential awards for "civilian heroism" to four Israelis who helped restrain the co-pilot of a FlyDubai plane and prevent a crash.
Daniel Schlichter, 60, and his wife were in line number 2 of the flight of the airline FlyDubai who was forced to land in Saudi Arabia after an attempted kidnapping.
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