Investigators from the United Arab Emirates, Israel and Saudi Arabia are working to establish the motive behind an alleged stabbing by an Omani co-pilot aboard a Flydubai aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which forced the plane to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard a Boeing 737 carrying 174 passengers from the United Arab Emirates to Israel. The aircraft reportedly experienced a sharp descent after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the Indian captain, raising fears of a deliberate attempt to crash the plane.
Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the suspect, an Omani national, had been arrested in Saudi Arabia and was undergoing interrogation. However, his motive remained unclear as investigations continued today, Thursday, October 1, 2026.
The United Arab Emirates government said that its investigation team had begun examining the incident, including whether it was linked to a terrorist motive. It also maintained that UAE law applied to crimes committed aboard the aircraft.
The investigation has attracted international attention, with authorities seeking to establish whether the attack was politically motivated, an act of terrorism or the result of other circumstances.
US President Donald Trump also commented on the incident, revealing that he had discussed it extensively with Netanyahu over the phone.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said that it seemed as though the copilot “was perhaps a terrorist or perhaps a whack job,” although he offered no evidence to support either possibility.
Netanyahu, meanwhile, stated that he had spoken with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who agreed that Israeli representatives would participate in the interrogation of the suspect.
The involvement of Israeli investigators reflects the significance of the incident for Israel, particularly given the number of its nationals aboard the aircraft and the potential security implications.
According to accounts from passengers and Israeli officials, the aircraft experienced an exceptionally steep descent during the confrontation. The captain, despite suffering serious injuries, reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and help restrain the co-pilot.
Their intervention was instrumental in regaining control of the situation and enabling the aircraft to land safely in Saudi Arabia. Reports indicated that the aircraft’s rudder was torn away during the incident, highlighting the severity of the descent.
The flight’s emergency landing has also prompted concerns about aviation security and the procedures governing access to aircraft cockpits during emergencies.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in Israel, which is approaching the anniversary of the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war in Gaza. Netanyahu had warned in recent days of unspecified heightened security threats, although no direct connection between those warnings and the aircraft incident has been established.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the passengers aboard the flight included Israeli, Indian and Emirati nationals. The US State Department also confirmed that four passengers held American citizenship.
Meanwhile, Flydubai announced the suspension of its flights to and from Israel following the incident, as investigations and arrangements for affected passengers continued.
The incident has raised diplomatic and security questions involving the three countries directly connected to the flight, with investigators seeking to establish the circumstances of the attack and determine whether any broader security threat was involved.
Indian Captain Hailed As Hero for Preventing Midair Disaster
The Indian captain who was stabbed during the incident has received widespread praise from world leaders and aviation officials for his actions in preventing a potential disaster.
Captain Smit Machchhar, who is from Mumbai, India, sustained serious injuries during the alleged attack but reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and help restrain the co-pilot.
Despite his injuries, Machchhar’s actions helped the crew regain control of the situation as the aircraft descended sharply. He was subsequently taken to hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition, according to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh.
Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi praised the captain’s courage, describing his actions as an extraordinary demonstration of determination in the face of grave danger.
“In the face of the gravest danger and despite being seriously injured, he showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others. His valor helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy.”
Narendra Modi
Netanyahu also commended Machchhar for his response during the confrontation, crediting him with helping to prevent what he described as a catastrophic midair disaster.
The Israeli Prime Minister said that the wounded captain had fought back after being stabbed, opened the cockpit door and helped passengers and crew members overpower the co-pilot. “He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals,” Netanyahu wrote on X.
Machchhar’s former employer, Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet, also recognised his actions, describing them as an example of exceptional courage and selflessness. “You are a hero to us all, Captain,” the airline said in a post on X, praising his conduct during the emergency.
According to Machchhar’s LinkedIn profile, he has worked for Flydubai for approximately four years. Before joining the Dubai-based airline, he spent 11 years with SpiceJet, where he served as a senior commander and line training captain.
His professional profile indicates that he has accumulated more than 9,750 flying hours throughout his career.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed that it was in contact with Machchhar’s family and Saudi authorities following the incident, as he continued receiving medical treatment.
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