Flydubai pilot attacked by co-pilot mid-flight
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Captain Smit Machchhar, Flydubai
Mid-air, diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
September 30, 2026
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COMPAMIR Editorial Team
The COMPAMIR editorial team brings together public reporting and links to the original coverage. We update the page as new information emerges.
Read our editorial policy- Earlier version 210/2/2026, 5:01:47 PM
Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked by his co-pilot during a flight to Tel Aviv. The aircraft plunged nearly 14,000 feet before making an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The incident has been described as a terrorist act by UAE officials. The captain survived and is recovering in an Abu Dhabi hospital.
- Earlier version 110/2/2026, 4:01:59 PM
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Flydubai flight FZ1073 incident involving cockpit attack
A co-pilot attacked the captain on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The plane diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely. The attacker, an Omani national, was subdued by passengers and crew. Investigations are ongoing regarding potential radicalization.