Flydubai has suspended flights to Tel Aviv following an alleged attack by a co-pilot on the captain of an Israel-bound aircraft, forcing an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia and triggering a criminal investigation into possible terrorist motives.
Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on 30 September when the incident occurred. Saudi authorities’ preliminary assessment confirmed that the co-pilot assaulted the captain. Witnesses and Israeli officials said the captain was stabbed and the aircraft descended sharply before passengers and crew intervened. The aircraft subsequently landed safely at Tabuk Airport.
Flydubai chief executive Ghaith Al Ghaith said everyone aboard was safe and receiving support. He thanked the injured captain, the pilots who secured and landed the aircraft, cabin crew and passengers who assisted during the emergency.
The airline confirmed that the captain had returned to the United Arab Emirates following medical clearance. It said operations to Tel Aviv had been temporarily suspended at the authorities’ request, with teams assisting disrupted travellers.
UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has appointed a specialist prosecution team to investigate the incident in coordination with the General Civil Aviation Authority and other authorities. Investigators will examine the circumstances and motive, including whether the attack involved terrorist activity, advance planning or direction from others.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alleged that the co-pilot intended to crash the aircraft and had undergone extremist radicalisation. However, the motive has not been publicly established through completed investigative findings. Saudi authorities said both pilots departed for Abu Dhabi with Emirati security officials on 1 October.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Captain Smit Machchhar for protecting those aboard despite serious injuries, saying his actions helped avert a tragedy.
The UAE aviation regulator said its investigation would review both operational and security aspects of the incident. It confirmed that injured crew members received hospital treatment in Saudi Arabia and urged the public to avoid speculation ahead of official findings.
