Flight FZ1073 made an emergency landing in Tabuk on September 30 after an attack in the cockpit; passengers and crew intervened, and other pilots landed the aircraft. UAE prosecutors called it an attempted terrorist act, while reports attributed to the co-pilot described plans to crash the plane in Israel; investigations into motive and outside links continued amid competing claims about Iran and disputes over Israeli flight screening.
Summary written by our automated pipeline from the outlets' reporting. How it works
Grouped by where each speaker is from. Quotation marks are the speaker's own words; other lines are our summaries.
The UAE Public Prosecution characterized the incident as an attempted terrorist act.
Our summary of The Hankyoreh, via WAM · also 1 other outlet
“His professionalism and moral sense in the darkest of circumstances make him a true hero”
Quoted in CGTN · also 1 other outlet
A senior UAE official described the incident as a terrorist act.
Our summary of France 24, via AFP · also 3 other outlets
In the courts
Emirati judicial authorities said they have jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered in the U.A.E. and U.A.E. law applies to crimes committed on board, even outside its territory.
Our summary of CBC News, via state news agency
UAE judicial authorities assert jurisdiction over the incident and say Emirati law applies to crimes aboard UAE-registered aircraft even outside the country.
Our summary of The Times of Israel
Differ among themselves on: Who was responsible for screening foreign-flight passenger lists · Where accounts differ
“I think it's too early to say whether he had any connections with Iran or with anyone else”
Quoted in NDTV, via Fox News
“Captain Machchhar's sheer bravery and sound professionalism helped avert a catastrophe.”
Quoted in NDTV
The co-pilot who carried out the attack had become affected by extremism.
Our summary of Daily Jang, via Unnamed American newspaper
Political parties
Tal said the Israelis agreed that only Israelis should be at the crucial positions.
Our summary of Der Spiegel, via Jerusalem Post
“Alle Israelis waren sich einig, dass wir an den entscheidenden Stellen nur Israelis haben sollten”
Machine translation: “All Israelis agreed that we should have only Israelis in the key positions”
Officials from far-right parties in Netanyahu's coalition called the aircraft incident a jihadist terrorist attack and vowed a forceful response toward Muslim countries.
Our summary of The Hankyoreh
“…was perhaps a terrorist or perhaps a whack-job.”
Quoted in The Times of Israel
“It seems as though the co-pilot was perhaps a terrorist or perhaps a whack job.”
Quoted in France 24
Baqaei rejected allegations linking Iran to the Flydubai incident and described them as a false-flag operation based on fabricated evidence.
Our summary of Tehran Times
Igra said the Iranians had denied involvement in the attack.
Our summary of NDTV
Points where outlets or parties give conflicting facts or readings. Each side is summarised by our pipeline; its sources are listed under it.
Netanyahu said the pilot tried to crash the plane and kill its passengers.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister · our summary of France 24
Trump said the people who told him the pilot wanted to crash the plane did not have information supporting that claim.
“They said [the pilot] wanted to crash the plane, but they don’t have that kind of information”
Flydubai was reported to have confirmed that the pilots fought during the flight.
FlyDubai · our summary of RIA Novosti
Passenger accounts described a knife or pocketknife.
an unnamed passenger, Passenger · our summary of The Hankyoreh
Nathan, Passenger · our summary of RIA Novosti
“…один летчик ударил другого ножом прямо сзади в шею”
No translation yet.
The UAE attorney general said the co-pilot attacked the captain with a cockpit crash axe.
Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, UAE attorney general · our summary of Okaz, via WAM
The Shin Bet said the Transportation Ministry was responsible for vetting passenger lists from foreign flights.
Shin Bet, Israel Security Agency · our summary of The Hindu
Shin Bet, Israel Security Agency · our summary of PBS NewsHour, via Associated Press
Regev said the ministry did not conduct checks, was not supposed to conduct them and lacked access to the data; she said security agencies handled flight security.
“It does not conduct checks, is not supposed to conduct checks, and has no access whatsoever to the data”
Miri Regev, Israel's transport minister · our summary of The Hindu
Trump said he personally believed Iran was responsible for the attack.
Donald Trump, U.S. president · our summary of CNews
“Oui, je le pense, je le pense personnellement”
Machine translation: “Yes, I think so, I personally think so.”
Donald Trump, U.S. president · our summary of The Hankyoreh
“내가 듣고 있는 내용을 바탕으로 보면 ‘그렇다’고 말할 수 있다. 하지만 지금 조사가 진행 중”
Machine translation: “Based on what I’m hearing, I can say ‘yes.’ But the investigation is ongoing right now”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman rejected the allegations and called them a false-flag claim based on fabricated evidence.
Esmaeil Baqaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson · our summary of Tehran Times
Channel 12 reported that the plane was instructed to turn around and began returning toward its departure point.
Our summary of TASS, via Channel 12
A Middle Eastern air-traffic-control source said no such instruction had been issued.
“No such instructions were issued to the aircraft.”
Israeli officials characterized the incident as an attempted terrorist attack and said Israel would participate in the UAE-led investigation.
Israeli officials · our summary of The Guardian
An Israeli government official · our summary of The Hindu, via Reuters
A report said the UAE objected to Israel drawing a premature conclusion about motive and insisted on conducting the investigation itself.
the United Arab Emirates · our summary of The Times of Israel, via Channel 12
Reactions from other countries and bodies, others involved, and commentary.
Modi said Machchhar's actions helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy.
Our summary of France 24
Meloni calls herself a 'euro-realist'.
Our summary of Yonhap News Agency · long-held position
“The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (VIC JCTT), comprising the AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO, can confirm it is investigating the man’s links to Australia.”
Quoted in The Times of Israel · also 1 other outlet
“We are the new people's party in Germany”
Quoted in Deutsche Welle
Omani sources said al-Hammami had been prevented from pursuing an aviation career in Oman after authorities detected his interest in extremist websites and terrorism-related content.
Our summary of NDTV
“The incident only occurred yesterday, and an investigation is currently underway.”
Quoted in TASS
Tabuk Airport authorities officially confirmed that both pilots were injured and admitted to hospital.
Our summary of The Hankyoreh
“We are looking into the time he spent here, alongside other agencies where appropriate”
Quoted in Deutsche Welle, via RNZ
Article 113-4 of the French Penal Code applies French criminal law to offenses aboard aircraft registered in France.
Our summary of CNews
“We never support proposals coming from the AfD.”
Quoted in France 24
The suspect asked Musayev to kill him.
Our summary of Okaz, via ABC News
Machchhar said that as he fought for his life, he knew he would not allow others to die.
Our summary of Der Spiegel
“Natürlich kämpfte ich um mein eigenes Leben, aber zugleich wusste ich, dass ich nicht zulassen würde, dass andere sterben”
No translation yet.
Israeli and US leaders suggested that the assailant had links to Islamist extremism or Iran.
Our summary of NDTV
Authorities in the UAE and Israel have classified the attack as an attempted terrorist attack.
Our summary of NPR
“…all other parties as part of a political elite that must be opposed.”
Quoted in Deutsche Welle
“Polycrises make it difficult for politicians to act, which means that people have less trust that politicians can solve the problems important to them”
Quoted in Deutsche Welle
“The odds that a pilot would decide to commit suicide and just happen to be flying a plane full of Israelis are pretty low”
Quoted in The Guardian
“How is a state with an ageing population and growing labour shortages supposed to meet its demand for skilled workers if it substantially restricts the pool of international…”
Quoted in The Hindu
On September 30, Flight FZ1073 was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the cockpit attack occurred and the aircraft diverted to Tabuk for an emergency landing.
Sources: The Hindu (via The Wall Street Journal) · The Hindu
“The alleged attacker is an Omani national named Hamam al-Hammami”
The prosecutor general said the co-pilot attacked the pilot with a crash axe and tried to take control of the aircraft.
A reserve Flydubai pilot took control of the aircraft and landed it at Tabuk Airport, where Saudi authorities detained the co-pilot.
On September 30, Flydubai announced a temporary suspension of flights to and from Israel while the incident was investigated.
Sources: Yonhap News Agency (via AP; Xinhua News Agency) · Okaz
Flydubai would suspend its flights to and from Israel while the incident involving FZ1073 was under investigation.
“이날 FZ1073편과 관련한 사고 발생에 따라 조사가 진행되는 기간 이스라엘 왕복 플라이두바이 항공편 운항을 중단할 것”
No translation yet.
Flydubai said the suspension decision was coordinated with relevant authorities to allow investigators time to complete their work and verify the incident's details and causes.
On October 1, the UAE attorney general ordered an investigation into the flight incident.
Sources: Xinhua (via WAM)
The UAE attorney-general ordered an investigation into the flight incident on Thursday, October 1.
The investigation team began work in coordination with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant authorities.
The team will examine whether the incident was linked to terrorist activity or intent, or involved prior planning or direction.
On October 1, Trump said what he was hearing indicated Iran might be linked to the attack, while saying the investigation was ongoing and warning Iran would be hit hard if responsible.
Sources: The Hindu · Yonhap News Agency
“I would say the answer, based on what I'm hearing, is yes, but we're working on it right now”
Trump said the investigation was ongoing.
“Oh they'll be hit, very hard, don't worry.”
On October 1, Netanyahu told Fox News the co-pilot had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination and said it was too early to determine whether he had links to Iran or anyone else.
Sources: The Hindu (via Fox News) · NDTV (via Fox News)
Netanyahu said the suspect had undergone Islamist, radical indoctrination.
“I think it's too early to say whether he had any connections with Iran or with anyone else”
“We know that he underwent Islamist radical indoctrination”
The co-pilot was transferred to Abu Dhabi on October 1 for the UAE investigation.
Sources: Yonhap News Agency · Hürriyet
Alhammami was transferred to Abu Dhabi, UAE, on October 1.
The co-pilot alleged to have attacked Machchhar was transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE and detained as part of a terrorism investigation.
On October 2, Machchhar spoke with Modi from his hospital bed, describing his effort to open the cockpit door while injured; Modi praised his courage.
Sources: The Times of Israel
“I was trying to save my own life, but I knew I was not going to let others die”
“I knew this was the last push, that the door was right there”
“I was being hit even then, but I just opened the door and everyone came in.”
Modi said Machchhar's courage, patience and presence of mind helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy.
On October 2, UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash called the incident a dangerous terrorist act, praised Machchhar and cautioned against simplistic interpretations and conspiracy theories.
Sources: RIA Novosti
Gargash praised Smith Machchar, saying the pilot embodied courage and responsibility.
“Индийский пилот рейса FlyDubai Смит Маччхар заслуживает всевозможной похвалы, так как он олицетворяет смелость и ответственность, решив противодействовать опасному теракту и…”
Machine translation: “Indian FlyDubai flight pilot Smith Machchar deserves every possible praise, as he embodies courage and responsibility by deciding to counter a dangerous terrorist attack and…”
Gargash called the FlyDubai incident a dangerous terrorist attack and said a catastrophe had been prevented.
Gargash said people should remain alert to terrorist threats and avoid simplistic interpretations or attempts to promote conspiracy theories.
On October 3, UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said investigators found that the co-pilot attempted a terrorist act; inquiries into motive and possible links continued.
Sources: CGTN (via Emirates News Agency)
The investigation found that the co-pilot attempted to commit a terrorist act.
Investigations were continuing to determine the incident's full circumstances and motives, as well as any possible links.
Technical examinations and analyses of physical and digital evidence were underway.
On October 3, Netanyahu spoke by phone with Machchhar, invited him to Israel as a guest of honour and proposed that he and Modi light a flame at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony.
Netanyahu spoke with Machchhar on Saturday and described his actions during the September 30 emergency as courageous and life-saving.
Netanyahu invited the Indian captain of a Tel Aviv-bound flydubai flight to Israel as a guest of honour after an attack in which the captain said he saved the plane.
Netanyahu wanted Machchhar and Modi to light a flame at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony next May, a role usually reserved for Israeli citizens.
The first five rescue flights carrying Israelis stranded in Dubai landed at Ben Gurion Airport on Saturday morning.
Sources: Xinhua
The first five rescue flights carrying Israelis stranded in Dubai landed at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv on Saturday morning as part of an operation to bring them home.
The five passenger flights that landed Saturday were operated by Israir and Arkia.
On October 4, Channel 12 reported that a preliminary Israeli investigation found the co-pilot acted alone; the inquiry was ongoing.
Sources: Xinhua (via Israel's Channel 12)
A preliminary Israeli investigation found that the co-pilot acted alone in attacking the captain.
Investigators believe the co-pilot acted alone, describing him as a lone wolf.
On October 4, Netanyahu ordered a review of security for foreign civil aviation to Israel.
The prime minister's office said Netanyahu tasked the National Security Council director with appointing someone to conduct a thorough review of security for foreign civil aviation to Israel.
“…has instructed the head of the National Security Council, Shmuel Ben Ezra, to appoint an examiner to conduct a thorough review of all security aspects of foreign civil aviation to…”
On October 4, an Australian Federal Police spokesperson said a joint counterterrorism team was investigating the co-pilot’s links to Australia.
Sources: The Guardian
“The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (VIC JCTT), comprising the AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO, can confirm it is investigating the man’s links to Australia”
In 2024, officials cited by ABC said al-Hammami was found with extremist-related material during Oman Air training and suspended from flying duties; they said he remained with the company in an administrative role.
Sources: The Hankyoreh (via ABC)
Officials cited by ABC said Hamam Al Hammami was found with material related to extremism while training as a co-pilot at Oman Air in 2024.
Officials cited by ABC said he was suspended from flying duties but allowed to remain with the company in an administrative role.
Israeli media reported on October 4 that al-Hammami may have planned to crash the aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport, with a U.S. military base in Jordan as a possible fallback.
Sources: Asahi Shimbun (via Ynet and other Israeli media)
Israeli media reported on October 4 that the co-pilot planned to crash the aircraft at a major airport in Israel.
An investigation indicated that the co-pilot may have attempted to crash the plane at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv.
The reported plan was to crash the aircraft at a U.S. military base in Jordan if the airport could not be approached.
On October 5, Trump said in Nebraska that he personally believed Iran was responsible for the attack.
Sources: CNews
Trump said he personally believed Iran was responsible for the attack.
“Oui, je le pense, je le pense personnellement”
Machine translation: “Yes, I think so, I personally think so.”
On October 5, Trump told reporters at the White House that the investigation was ongoing and warned of strong retaliation if evidence confirmed Iranian involvement.
Sources: The Hankyoreh
Trump answered yes when asked whether al-Hammami could be linked to the Iranian government, citing what he had heard while saying the investigation was ongoing.
“내가 듣고 있는 내용을 바탕으로 보면 ‘그렇다’고 말할 수 있다. 하지만 지금 조사가 진행 중”
Machine translation: “Based on what I’m hearing, I can say ‘yes.’ But the investigation is ongoing right now”
Trump said Iran would face very strong retaliation if evidence confirmed its involvement.
On October 5, New Zealand Police said they were looking into the suspect’s time in the country, alongside other agencies where appropriate.
Sources: Deutsche Welle · Deutsche Welle (via RNZ)
New Zealand police said the suspect had spent time in the country but did not specify where or when.
“We are looking into the time he spent here, alongside other agencies where appropriate”
Reported October 6, Israeli sources told CBS News that Israel was prepared to shoot down Flight 1073, scrambled fighters and recalled them when the plane turned toward Saudi Arabia.
Sources: NDTV (via CBS News)
On October 6, New Zealand Police confirmed that al-Hammami had completed part of his flight training in the country.
Sources: RIA Novosti · The Guardian
New Zealand Police confirmed that the suspect had completed part of his flight training in New Zealand.
Michael Johnson confirmed Hammami was in New Zealand on a student visa for 175 days, from 30 November 2018 to 23 May 2019.
“Police can confirm the co-pilot was in New Zealand to complete a portion of his flight training for a UK-based company, no longer operating in New Zealand”
Hammami was in New Zealand on a student visa from 30 November 2018 to 23 May 2019 and completed part of his flight training there.
Sources: The Guardian
Michael Johnson confirmed Hammami was in New Zealand on a student visa for 175 days, from 30 November 2018 to 23 May 2019.
“Police can confirm the co-pilot was in New Zealand to complete a portion of his flight training for a UK-based company, no longer operating in New Zealand”
After initial treatment in Tabuk, Machchhar was transferred to Abu Dhabi for continued medical care and admitted to a military hospital.
After initial treatment in Tabuk, Machchhar was transferred to Abu Dhabi for continued medical care.
Machchhar was airlifted from Saudi Arabia to Abu Dhabi the previous night for advanced medical care.
Machchhar was admitted to the Military Hospital, where a team of specialist doctors monitored him.
Scheduled for May 2027, Netanyahu proposed that Machchhar and Modi light a flame at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony.
Sources: The Hindu
Netanyahu wanted Machchhar and Modi to light a flame at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony next May, a role usually reserved for Israeli citizens.
Each outlet's headline, linked to its article. Non-English headlines are machine-translated. The groupings and notes on what each outlet emphasises are automated.
None of our outlets is based in United Arab Emirates, Italy, Oman or New Zealand. Our outlets in Australia didn't cover it.
Written by our automated pipeline from the statements in the coverage; each point lists the statements it rests on.
UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said investigators found that the co-pilot attempted a terrorist act, attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a cockpit crash axe and tried to take control. He said inquiries into circumstances, motives and possible links continued, with physical and digital evidence under examination.
Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, UAE attorney general · our summary of CGTN, via Emirates News Agency
Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, UAE attorney general · our summary of Okaz, via WAM
Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, UAE attorney general · our summary of CGTN, via Emirates News Agency
Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, UAE attorney general · our summary of CGTN, via Emirates News Agency
ABC News, as relayed by other outlets, reported that al-Hammami told investigators he intended to crash the aircraft in Israel. Two Israeli officials told Reuters that he said he planned an attack before Flydubai hired him and applied after searching for airlines serving Tel Aviv.
Hamam al-Hammami · our summary of TASS, via ABC News
multiple sources briefed on the investigation · our summary of Yonhap News Agency, via ABC
Israeli officials · our summary of CBC News, via Reuters
Israeli officials · our summary of CBC News, via Reuters
Early Israeli and U.S. assessments suggested the co-pilot acted alone, while investigators said they still needed to determine whether an organization or state was involved. Israeli media reported possible plans to crash at Ben Gurion Airport, with a U.S. military base in Jordan as a possible fallback; The Telegraph separately reported a Tel Aviv high-rise as a possible target.
Israeli investigators · our summary of Xinhua, via Israel's Channel 12
Multiple US officials and a former Israeli security official · our summary of CGTN, via NBC News
US officials, U.S. government officials · our summary of CGTN, via NBC News
Shalom Ben Hanan, Shin Bet official · our summary of CGTN, via NBC News
Reports attributed an earlier flying restriction to Oman over concerns about al-Hammami’s views. ABC-cited officials said extremist-related material was found during Oman Air training in 2024 and he was moved to administrative duties. The Wall Street Journal reported Flydubai hired him in February 2026 without contacting Oman to verify his experience; other reporting said Oman did not share its concerns with other authorities or airlines.
The Wall Street Journal · our summary of RIA Novosti, via The Wall Street Journal
“…ранее был лишен права на полеты властями Омана из-за опасений, что он придерживается радикальных идеологических взглядов”
No translation yet.
information and investigative authorities officials · our summary of The Hankyoreh, via ABC
information and investigative authorities officials · our summary of The Hankyoreh, via ABC
Wall Street Journal · our summary of RIA Novosti, via Wall Street Journal
Australian and New Zealand authorities investigated al-Hammami’s time in those countries. New Zealand Police confirmed he completed part of his flight training there and stayed on a student visa for 175 days, from 30 November 2018 to 23 May 2019; Australian reporting described his studies and visa cancellation.
Victoria Joint Counter Terrorism Team · our summary of Yonhap News Agency, via Reuters, Bloomberg, ABC
Our summary of Yonhap News Agency
“The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team (VIC JCTT), comprising the AFP, Victoria Police and ASIO, can confirm it is investigating the man’s links to Australia”
Our summary of BBC News
Regional officials said the UAE shared passenger and crew information with Israel before departure and that Israel raised no red flags. Shin Bet said the Transportation Ministry was responsible for vetting foreign-flight passenger lists; Regev disputed that account, saying her ministry did not conduct checks, was not supposed to do so and lacked access to the data. She said the ministry had not received passenger lists and that security agencies handled flight security. Netanyahu ordered a review of foreign civil aviation security to Israel.
Trump said he personally believed Iran was responsible and warned of retaliation if evidence confirmed its role. Iran’s Foreign Ministry rejected the allegation, while Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said Israel had no proof of Iranian involvement at that point.
Donald Trump, U.S. president · our summary of CNews
“Oui, je le pense, je le pense personnellement”
Machine translation: “Yes, I think so, I personally think so.”
Donald Trump, U.S. president · our summary of The Hankyoreh
“내가 듣고 있는 내용을 바탕으로 보면 ‘그렇다’고 말할 수 있다. 하지만 지금 조사가 진행 중”
Machine translation: “Based on what I’m hearing, I can say ‘yes.’ But the investigation is ongoing right now”
Donald Trump, U.S. president · our summary of The Hankyoreh
Esmaeil Baqaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson · our summary of Tehran Times
Flydubai said the incident’s reasons remained unknown and urged against premature speculation. The airline said it was cooperating with investigators, temporarily suspended flights to Israel at the authorities’ request and supported affected passengers; a spokesperson said it could not comment further while the investigation continued.
“At the request of the authorities, we have temporarily suspended flights to Tel Aviv until further notice.”
“Our teams are working around the clock to support passengers whose plans have been disrupted and help them reach their final destinations”
Flydubai · our summary of Okaz
Flydubai · our summary of Rappler
Machchhar told Modi he opened the cockpit door while injured because he did not want passengers to die. Modi praised his courage. Netanyahu invited Machchhar and Modi to Israel’s Independence Day ceremony and proposed that they light a flame there.
“I was trying to save my own life, but I knew I was not going to let others die”
“I knew this was the last push, that the door was right there”
“I was being hit even then, but I just opened the door and everyone came in.”
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India · our summary of The Times of Israel
CNN reported that two posts featuring terrorist figures appeared on a LinkedIn profile bearing al-Hammami’s name about nine hours after the flight incident; the account’s authenticity could not be verified.
Israeli sources told CBS News that Israel scrambled fighters and closed its airspace during the response, then recalled the fighters when the plane turned toward Saudi Arabia. The sources said Israel was prepared to shoot the plane down if necessary and that the prime minister would make that decision under the protocol.
Reports relying on the Wall Street Journal account: They described an earlier Omani flying restriction, Flydubai’s hiring of al-Hammami and questions about information sharing and hiring checks.
Reports relaying ABC News and investigative sources: They reported the co-pilot’s alleged statements to investigators about intending to crash the aircraft and planning an attack before joining Flydubai.
Reports based on Associated Press regional officials: They covered passenger-list information shared by the UAE and the dispute in Israel over screening responsibility.
CBS News accounts relayed by other outlets: They described Israel’s fighter response and reported preparedness to shoot down the aircraft if it had continued toward Israel.
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Tabuk airport terminal at night, photographed in 2017.
File:Tabuk airport.jpg · م سعود العنزي · CC BY-SA 4.0
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