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Society and rightsReports from 30 Sep to 30 Oct 2026

UAE says Flydubai co-pilot planned attack on Ben Gurion Airport

Passengers and crew stopped the co-pilot aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 on September 30, 2026, and other pilots landed the plane safely in Tabuk. UAE prosecutors say he planned to crash it into Ben Gurion Airport; investigators are still examining whether he acted alone, while claims of Iranian involvement remain disputed.

Summary written by our automated pipeline from the outlets' reporting. How it works

38 outlets in 24 countries, 10 relaying others' reporting

Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 A6-FKF at Dubai International Airport on 2 January 2026. The aircraft was later involved in Flight 1073.
Photo credits

In their own words

Grouped by where each speaker is from. Quotation marks are the speaker's own words; other lines are our summaries.

Passengers aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073

Yaniv Hayun, Passenger
“I grabbed the terrorist, put him in a hold, and first of all pulled him outside”

Quoted in The Times of Israel · also 1 other outlet

Passengers

Passengers said shouting broke out and it felt as though the aircraft was out of control.

Our summary of Daily Jang, via British broadcaster

Israel

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister
“My salute to the Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar for his extraordinary bravery.”

Quoted in South China Morning Post · also 2 other outlets

Isaac Herzog, Israeli president
“Captain Machchhar's sheer bravery and sound professionalism helped avert a catastrophe.”

Quoted in NDTV

More from Israel (3)
Gideon Sa'ar, Israel's foreign minister
“It is clearly a terror attempt with jihadists' characteristics that we saw here”

Quoted in NDTV

Political parties

Yair Lapid, Israeli opposition leader

Lapid said the incident had nothing to do with the threats conveyed to him.

Our summary of Hürriyet

Tal, Israeli political party

Tal said the Israelis agreed that only Israelis should be at the crucial positions.

Our summary of Der Spiegel, via Jerusalem Post

As quoted in German, with a machine translation

“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”

United Arab Emirates

Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, UAE attorney general

Al-Chamsi said none of the procedures revealed indications that the co-pilot held extremist views.

Our summary of Le Monde

As quoted in French, with a machine translation

“Aucune de ces procédures n’a révélé d’indices laissant supposer ses opinions extrémistes”

Machine translation: “None of these procedures revealed any indications suggesting his extremist views”

Emirati Prosecutor General, UAE prosecutor general

The Emirati Prosecutor General characterized the incident aboard the Flydubai flight as an attempted terrorist attack after preliminary investigations.

Our summary of Daily Jang

More from United Arab Emirates (2)
UAE Public Prosecution

The UAE Public Prosecution characterized the incident as an attempted terrorist act.

Our summary of The Hankyoreh, via WAM · also 1 other outlet

The United Arab Emirates characterized the incident as a terrorist attack.

Our summary of NDTV · also 1 other outlet

Iran

Esmaeil Baghaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson

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

the Iranians, Iranian government

Igra said the Iranians had denied involvement in the attack.

Our summary of NDTV

Where accounts differ

Points where outlets or parties give conflicting facts or readings. Each side is summarised by our pipeline; its sources are listed under it.

Disputed Whether Iran was connected to the incident

Trump said he personally believed Iran was responsible. Vance said a possible role was being investigated but he had seen no conclusive evidence; Sa’ar said Israel had no proof of Iranian involvement at that point.

Sources (2)

Donald Trump, U.S. president · our summary of CNews

As quoted in French, with a machine translation

“Oui, je le pense, je le pense personnellement”

Machine translation: “Yes, I think so, I personally think so.”

JD Vance, U.S. vice president · our summary of The Hankyoreh

Iran’s Foreign Ministry rejected allegations linking Iran to the incident; Baqaei called them a false-flag operation based on fabricated evidence, and Baghaei said the incident was planned to blame Iran or other regional countries.

Sources (2)

Esmaeil Baqaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson · our summary of Tehran Times

Ismail Baghaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson · our summary of RIA Novosti

Accounts conflict Which weapon was used in the cockpit attack

Passenger Nathan said one pilot struck the other with a knife.

Sources (1)

Nathan, Passenger · our summary of RIA Novosti

As quoted in Russian, with a machine translation

“…один летчик ударил другого ножом прямо сзади в шею”

No translation yet.

UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the co-pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe.

Sources (1)

Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, UAE attorney general · our summary of Xinhua, via Emirates News Agency

Accounts conflict Whether controllers instructed the plane to turn back

Channel 12 reported that the plane was instructed mid-flight to turn around and began returning toward its departure point.

Sources (1)

Our summary of TASS, via Channel 12

A source in Middle Eastern air traffic control services said no such instructions were issued.

Sources (1)
“No such instructions were issued to the aircraft.”
a source in Middle Eastern air traffic control services · quoted in TASS

Disputed Responsibility for foreign-airline security checks

Reports described Israeli agencies and security services as disputing which body should be responsible for checks at foreign airlines flying to Israel.

Sources (1)

Our summary of RIA Novosti

Transport Minister Miri Regev rejected responsibility for the failure and said oversight of foreign airlines belonged to Mossad and Shin Bet.

Sources (1)

Miri Regev, Israel's transport minister · our summary of NDTV

Accounts conflict Whether RMIT identified the co-pilot in its statement

One report said RMIT did not identify the co-pilot or say when he studied there.

Sources (1)

RMIT University, Australian university · our summary of Daily Jang

Another report attributed to RMIT a statement that Al-Hammami had enrolled in an engineering program.

Sources (1)

RMIT University, Australian university · our summary of Okaz, via Bloomberg

Other voices

Reactions from other countries and bodies, others involved, and commentary.

India

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

Modi said Machchhar's actions helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy.

Our summary of France 24

United States

Donald Trump, U.S. president
“…was perhaps a terrorist or perhaps a whack-job.”

Quoted in The Times of Israel

Russia

Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson
“The incident only occurred yesterday, and an investigation is currently underway.”

Quoted in TASS

Saudi Arabia

Tabuk Airport authorities

Tabuk Airport authorities officially confirmed that both pilots were injured and admitted to hospital.

Our summary of The Hankyoreh

New Zealand

Michael Johnson, New Zealand police official
“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”

Quoted in The Guardian

Australia

policeandinteligenceservicesinaustralia|AU, Australian police and intelligence services

Australian police and intelligence services said they were investigating the suspect's links to Australia.

Our summary of France 24 · also 2 other outlets

Oman

Government

The Omani government considers Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and ISIS in Yemen to be threats.

Our summary of Clarín · long-held position

France

the Penal Code

Article 113-4 of the French Penal Code applies French criminal law to offenses aboard aircraft registered in France.

Our summary of CNews

International bodies

European Union Aviation Safety Agency

The European Aviation Safety Agency said the GCAA is responsible for flydubai’s certification and safety oversight.

Our summary of The Times of Israel, via Reuters

Others involved

Hamam al-Hammami

The suspect asked Musayev to kill him.

Our summary of Okaz, via ABC News

Smit Machchhar

Machchhar's professional profile emphasized his strong focus on safety.

Our summary of Clarín, via The New York Times

Israeli and US leaders

Israeli and US leaders suggested that the assailant had links to Islamist extremism or Iran.

Our summary of NDTV

Authorities of the UAE and Israel

Authorities in the UAE and Israel have classified the attack as an attempted terrorist attack.

Our summary of NPR

Commentary

Colin Clarke, Soufan Center analyst
“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

aviation security experts

Aviation security experts assessed the incident as a serious security failure.

Our summary of Yonhap News Agency, via The Wall Street Journal (WSJ)

Aviation experts

Aviation experts described the recorded descent as unusual.

Our summary of Der Spiegel

experts

Experts said the Boeing 737 MAX's strong structure, multiple safety systems, and testing under extreme conditions during certification played an important role in its survival.

Our summary of Daily Jang

Timeline

  1. 2018-11-30/2019-05-23

    The co-pilot’s 175-day stay in New Zealand ran from 30 November 2018 to 23 May 2019; he was there on a student visa and completed part of his flight training.

    Sources: The Guardian

    Supporting statements

    Michael Johnson confirmed Hammami was in New Zealand on a student visa for 175 days, from 30 November 2018 to 23 May 2019.

    Michael Johnson, New Zealand police official · our summary of The Guardian
    “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”
    Michael Johnson, New Zealand police official · quoted in The Guardian
  2. 2026-09-30

    The cockpit attack aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 occurred on September 30, 2026. The plane diverted to Tabuk for an emergency landing; passengers and crew restrained the co-pilot, and other pilots aboard landed the aircraft.

    Sources: Asahi Shimbun · CBC News · Deutsche Welle

    Supporting statements

    Flydubai said a passenger aircraft traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing at an airport in Tabuk, northwestern Saudi Arabia, on September 30.

    Flydubai · our summary of Asahi Shimbun

    Witnesses and Israeli authorities said Machchhar was seriously injured and opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and restrain the attacker as the plane descended sharply.

    witnesses and Israeli authorities · our summary of CBC News

    After the co-pilot stabbed the captain, two other pilots took control and landed the aircraft safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

    Our summary of Deutsche Welle
  3. 2026-09-30

    Flydubai said on 30일(현지시간) that it would suspend flights to and from Israel while the incident was investigated.

    Sources: Yonhap News Agency (via AP; Xinhua News Agency) · TASS

    Supporting statements

    Flydubai would suspend its flights to and from Israel while the incident involving FZ1073 was under investigation.

    Flydubai · our summary of Yonhap News Agency, via AP; Xinhua News Agency
    As quoted in Korean, with a machine translation

    “이날 FZ1073편과 관련한 사고 발생에 따라 조사가 진행되는 기간 이스라엘 왕복 플라이두바이 항공편 운항을 중단할 것”

    No translation yet.

    “At the request of the authorities, we have temporarily suspended flights to Tel Aviv until further notice.”
    Ghaith Al Ghaith, Flydubai chief executive · quoted in TASS
  4. 2026-10-01

    On October 1, the UAE attorney-general ordered an investigation into FZ1073 and formed a specialist prosecution team.

    Sources: Xinhua (via WAM)

    Supporting statements

    The UAE attorney-general ordered an investigation into the flight incident on Thursday, October 1.

    Our summary of Xinhua, via WAM

    Hamad Saif Al Shamsi ordered a team of specialized public prosecutors to investigate the incident.

    Our summary of Xinhua, via WAM
  5. 2026-10-03

    On October 3, Al Shamsi said investigators found that the co-pilot attempted a terrorist act. He said inquiries into motives and possible links, along with technical examinations, were continuing.

    Sources: CGTN (via Emirates News Agency)

    Supporting statements

    The investigation found that the co-pilot attempted to commit a terrorist act.

    Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, UAE attorney general · our summary of CGTN, via Emirates News Agency

    Investigations were continuing to determine the incident's full circumstances and motives, as well as any possible links.

    Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, UAE attorney general · our summary of CGTN, via Emirates News Agency

    Technical examinations and analyses of physical and digital evidence were underway.

    Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, UAE attorney general · our summary of CGTN, via Emirates News Agency
  6. 2026-10-03

    Netanyahu spoke with Machchhar on October 3, praised him and invited him and Narendra Modi to light a flame at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony the following May.

    Sources: The Hindu

    Supporting statements

    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.

    Our summary of 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.

    Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister · our summary of The Hindu
    “You are a true hero of the brave peoples of India and Israel and you are a hero of the entire world”
    Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister · quoted in The Hindu
  7. 2027-05

    The proposed ceremony is scheduled for May 2027.

    Sources: The Hindu

    Supporting statements

    Netanyahu wanted Machchhar and Modi to light a flame at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony next May, a role usually reserved for Israeli citizens.

    Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister · our summary of The Hindu
  8. 2026-10-04

    On October 4, Netanyahu ordered a review of security for foreign civil aviation to Israel.

    Sources: Le Monde · NDTV

    Supporting statements

    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.

    Prime Minister's Office · our summary of Le Monde
    “…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…”
    Prime Minister's Office · quoted in NDTV
  9. 2026-10-05

    On October 5, RMIT said the person had enrolled but did not complete an engineering qualification.

    Sources: The Guardian · RIA Novosti

    Supporting statements
    “The individual was enrolled at RMIT but did not successfully complete an engineering qualification”
    RMIT University, Australian university · quoted in The Guardian

    RMIT said the person had been enrolled but did not successfully complete the course leading to an engineering qualification.

    RMIT, Australian university · our summary of RIA Novosti
    As quoted in Russian, with a machine translation

    “Этот человек был зачислен в RMIT, но не смог успешно завершить обучение с получением инженерной квалификации”

    No translation yet.

  10. 2026-10-05

    On October 5, Trump said in Nebraska that he personally believed Iran was responsible for the attack.

    Sources: CNews

    Supporting statements

    Trump said he personally believed Iran was responsible for the attack.

    Donald Trump, U.S. president · our summary of CNews
    As quoted in French, with a machine translation

    “Oui, je le pense, je le pense personnellement”

    Machine translation: “Yes, I think so, I personally think so.”

  11. 2026-10-06

    On Tuesday, New Zealand Police confirmed that the co-pilot had completed part of his flight training in the country.

    Sources: The Guardian · RIA Novosti

    Supporting statements
    “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”
    Michael Johnson, New Zealand police official · quoted in The Guardian

    New Zealand Police confirmed that the suspect had completed part of his flight training in New Zealand.

    New Zealand Police · our summary of RIA Novosti
  12. 2026-10-08

    On October 8, Herzog presented civilian heroism awards to six people aboard the flight and said Machchhar would receive the award after recovering.

    Sources: The Hindu

    Supporting statements

    The President's Office said the six people received the award for helping prevent the would-be hijacker from crashing the plane.

    President's Office · our summary of The Hindu
    “Once he regains strength, it will be my honour and privilege to award him, on behalf of the people of Israel, the State of Israel's Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism”
    Isaac Herzog, Israeli president · quoted in The Hindu
  13. 2026-10-09

    On October 9, UAE Prosecutor General Hamad Saif al-Shamsi said the co-pilot planned a suicide attack on Ben Gurion Airport, inspired by September 11. Prosecutors said he claimed to have acted alone, while investigators continued to verify that account and examine possible accomplices.

    Sources: Le Monde · NDTV

    Supporting statements

    Al-Chamsi said the co-pilot had been planning a suicide attack on Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.

    Hamad Saif Al-Chamsi, UAE attorney general · our summary of Le Monde

    Al-Chamsi said the co-pilot was inspired by the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States.

    Hamad Saif Al-Chamsi, UAE attorney general · our summary of Le Monde

    Al-Chamsi said the co-pilot had claimed he acted alone without the involvement of other people.

    Hamad Saif Al-Chamsi, UAE attorney general · our summary of Le Monde
    As quoted in French, with a machine translation

    “…a affirmé avoir agi seul, sans l’implication d’autres personnes”

    Machine translation: “…stated that he had acted alone, without the involvement of other people”

    Al-Chamsi said the investigation was continuing to verify that assertion.

    Hamad Saif Al-Chamsi, UAE attorney general · our summary of Le Monde

    Al Shamsi said the investigation remained open and authorities were examining whether the suspect had accomplices or other connections.

    Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, UAE attorney general · our summary of NDTV
  14. 2026-10-12

    Reported October 12: Australian police and intelligence services said they were investigating the co-pilot’s links to Australia.

    Sources: The Times of Israel

    Supporting statements

    Australian police and intelligence services said they were investigating the copilot's links to Australia.

    Australian police and intelligence services · our summary of The Times of Israel

Coverage

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, New Zealand or Oman. Our outlets in Australia didn't cover it.

Group by
The Times of IsraelIsrael
Flydubai captain recalls struggle to open cockpit door during attempted terror attack Raises airline responsibility for pilot vetting
58 more from The Times of IsraelUAE confirms flydubai copilot was planning 9/11-style ‘suicide attack’ on Ben Gurion AirportDaily Briefing Oct. 6 – Echoes of Oct. 7 in the failures exposed by flydubai near-disasterIsrael was prepared to shoot down flydubai jet during attempted terror attack — reportFlydubai terrorist said to tell investigators he intended to crash plane into Ben Gurion AirportDespite years of warnings, Transportation Ministry, required to check foreign flights, hasn’t done soFlydubai captain says copilot asked to pray, then struck him from behind; describes exactly how he opened cockpit doorUAE says flydubai copilot used cockpit emergency ax to attack captain in ‘terrorist act’What is Oman’s relationship with Israel – if any?Jewish communities worldwide on heightened alert after flydubai terror attackFlydubai terrorist named as Hamam al-Hammami; was banned from flying by Oman for suspected extremismBefore flydubai attack, dozens of Omani pilots flew to TLV despite ban — report‘Take him out’: New video shows chaos on flydubai flight after attack thwartedWill the flydubai attack save Netanyahu’s struggling campaign?‘Immense courage and resolve’: Pilot feted for crucial role in saving the lives of all aboard flydubai 1073Cockpit attack puts spotlight on flydubai, a key air link for Israelis since Oct. 7UAE opens probe into whether flydubai attack had terror motive, was preplannedNetanyahu, Sa’ar speak to Emirati counterparts, vow cooperation after flydubai attackUnprecedented: Extraordinary heroism and near-miraculous circumstances avert an airplane catastropheMelbourne Islamic preacher linked to flydubai terrorist condemns ‘false accusations’ToI poll: Anti-Netanyahu bloc regains lead but both camps short of majority 19 days ahead of voteNetanyahu ordered to remove video filmed at IDF airbase from his personal social mediaNetanyahu claims Hamas will try to attack Israel to influence upcoming electionNetanyahu accuses UK government of acting ‘like a rogue state,’ says Israel saved British livesDubai crown prince visits flydubai pilot at hospital, hails him for ’embodying the highest degrees of courage’Month after thwarted flydubai attack, Israel issues stringent new rules for all airlinesSporting visible scars, hero flydubai pilot honored by president of UAEFlydubai attack survivors say Israeli government has left them high and dryIsrael bars United pilot from its airspace over alleged support for Iran, HezbollahArkia joins Israir in halting Marrakech ticket sales as new Israeli security rules loomAntisemitic conspiracies about French protests spread across social media – watchdogBomb threat forces Austrian Tel Aviv-Vienna flight to land in BulgariaGaza strikes kill Hamas commander, two other operatives over weekend — IDFDelta plane given all-clear at Ben Gurion Airport after anonymous bomb threatEthiopian Airlines cargo flight denied landing in Israel, forced to turn around, due to Indonesian pilotStranded Israeli travelers in dire straits as Dubai flights remain groundedFlydubai passengers said preparing huge class-action suit against airline, governmentsIsraeli airline said to have begun background checks on crews of leased foreign planesIran still able to produce missiles and drones, is receiving munitions from Russia — reportEgyptAir pilot sparks fear after posting El Al plane video with threatening speech on Oct. 7Dubai repatriation flights nixed after UAE pulls landing permit for Israeli carriersSaudi Arabia launching its own air safety probe into flydubai attack, sources sayPolice said to probe 2 senior Transportation Ministry officials over flydubai failuresIsraelis could lose US visa waiver after flydubai attack revealed security lapses — reportMost Arkia and Israir flights use planes and crews leased from foreign airlines, in arrangement okayed by PMShin Bet agents participating in interrogation of flydubai terrorist in UAEFormer NSC head pans Netanyahu’s ‘crooked’ flydubai probe, says buck stops with himSecurity hurdles slow airlines’ effort to bring stranded Israelis home from DubaiAustralia probing flydubai copilot, who studied at a Melbourne university‘My kind of guy’: Trump posts video thanking flydubai heroIn first, senior UAE official calls flydubai plane attack an ‘act of terrorism’‘I couldn’t let all of them die’: Flydubai captain recounts opening cockpit door with ‘last push’ after copilot stabbed himArkia, Israir indicate UAE rescue flights are a go after El Al scraps its Friday repatriationsNetanyahu says Omani copilot who tried to bring down flight ‘underwent Islamist radical indoctrination’Israeli carriers to start UAE repatriation flights Friday after flydubai cockpit attackTrump marvels at plumber who pulled flydubai plane out of diveUAE says probing whether attack on flydubai flight to Israel was terrorConspiracy theories about flydubai attack spread across social media, reports findIsrael to expand security checks on pilots after flydubai airplane attack
NDTVIndia
'Can Plumber Land Aircraft'? flydubai Indian Pilot On Role Of Israeli Hero Highlights the cockpit door's role
68 more from NDTV'Didn't Know What Hit Me': flydubai Hero Recalls Dubai-Tel Aviv Plane Horrorflydubai Failed, UAE Owes Answers: Ex-Israel Army Spokesperson To NDTVflydubai Co-Pilot Developed Extremist Views In 2017 While In Australia: UAE"There Was So Much Blood, Pulse Was Low": Dentist Who Treated Smit MachchharHow Did flydubai Plane Survive 17,000-Foot Dive? Veteran Pilot Explains9/11 To Shoe Bomber: How Major Aviation Incidents Reshaped Airline Security"In Revenge For Gaza": What flydubai Omani Co-Pilot Told InvestigatorsIsrael Was Ready To Shoot Down flydubai Jet. Then This Happened"It Was An Act Of Terror": Israeli Envoy To UAE On flydubai IncidentBlame Game In Israel Over flydubai Flight Horror, Netanyahu's Aide Faces Flakflydubai Co-Pilot Planned To Execute Attack In July. This Stopped HimHow Boeing Design Helped flydubai Plane Despite Losing 32,000 Feet Per MinuteOmani Co-Pilot May Have Shut Off flydubai Plane's Engines: Reportflydubai Crew Asked To Free Co-Pilot? Passengers Say "Only To Cops" In Video"We Don't Do Background Checks": Israeli Ministry Amid flydubai ProbeBorn In UAE, Then 'Mysterious' Syria Chapter: Details Of flydubai CopilotHow A Woman's Screams Alerted flydubai Passengers Of Cockpit Incidentflydubai Co-Pilot Attacked Pilot With Cockpit's Crash Axe In 'Terrorist Attack': UAE"Safety Is Our Highest Priority": flydubai Suspends Flights To IsraelUAE Official Calls flydubai Attack "Terrorist Act", Praises Smit Machchhar'Jihadist Terror Attempt': Israel Seeks flydubai Omani Pilot's Extradition'Lone Wolf, Islamic Radical': Mossad Unit's Ex-Chief On flydubai Co-Pilot"Sit Next To Israelis In Flight": Israel Minister To NDTV On flydubai ScareHow Airlines Try To Make Sure Pilots Are Safe To Fly'Was Conscious, Communicating': flydubai Passenger Recalls Saving Indian Pilot"Unbelievable Courage": Netanyahu Praises Indian Pilot's Heroic Actflydubai Plane Made Near-Supersonic Dive. Why Its Airframe Didn't DisintegrateWhat Happened On flydubai Flight FZ1073 That Forced To Land In SaudiPill, Restraint, All-Male Cabin Crew: flydubai Case Takes New Turn"False": Australia Man On Being Linked To flydubai Omani Co-PilotExclusive: Why Israel Scrambled Jets To Tackle flydubai Plane Hijack ScareIsrael On High Alert For Memorial Events On 3 Years Of Hamas AttackResolution Honouring Captain Smit Machchhar Introduced In US House Of Representatives"People Are Suffering": UN Calls For Mahatma Gandhi's Principles Of Peaceflydubai's Omani Co-Pilot Intended To Crash Plane In Israel: Report3rd Aircraft Carrier, 10,000 Troops Head To Middle East After Trump's WarningIndia Embassy In Saudi Says Injured Captain Smit Machchhar Is "Stable"'I Was Injured But Couldn't Let Passengers Die': Captain Smit Machchhar To PM Modi"When Will You Heal?" UAE President Plans Training With flydubai Captain Smit MachchharUAE President Honours flydubai Hero Captain, Crew For Courageous ActionsNetanyahu's Hindi Invite To PM Modi For Israel's Independence DayVienna-Bound Plane From Tel Aviv Diverts To Bulgaria After Bomb Threat"Hero To All Of Humanity", Israel President Writes To Smit MachchharIsrael To Honour Captain Smit Machchhar With Presidential Award For Heroismflydubai Hero Pilot's Skull Fractured In Attack, Undergoes Emergency Surgery In SaudiEmergency Alert, 28,000 Descent In Minutes: US-Bound Plane Returns To London"There Was Big Mistake": What Oman Sources Told NDTV About flydubai Co-PilotIsrael Orders Security Review Of International Flights After flydubai Attack'Israelis, Emiratis, Indians vs Terror': Diplomacy In Israel's flydubai Post"War Isn't Over": Al-Qaeda Praises flydubai Co-Pilot, Calls For More Attacksflydubai Co-Pilot Studied Engineering For 2 Years In Australia? Probe OnMeet Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan, Who Visited flydubai Pilot Smit Machchhar"Hero To World": Netanyahu Invites Smit Machchhar To Independence Day EventDubai's Crown Prince Hamdan Meets flydubai Hero Smit Machchhar In Hospitalflydubai Co-Pilot Shared 'Terrorist' Images, Had Misogynistic Views: ReportFirst Israeli Repatriation Flight Lands In Tel Aviv After flydubai IncidentAny Power Behind flydubai Plot Will Pay "Very Heavy Price", Warns NetanyahuRelief, Concern, Surname: What Indians Searched For On Smit MachchharOmani Pilot Who Tried To Crash Plane Didn't Have Dual Citizenship: Reportflydubai Hero Indian Pilot Suffered Wounds To Limbs, Chest, Abdomen: Sources'Recited Hanuman Chalisa For Courage," flydubai Hero Pilot Tells PM ModiEl Al Cancels Dubai Rescue Flights For Israelis After UAE Pulls ApprovalIsraeli Security Lapse That's Key In flydubai Attack And A UAE ContentionTrump Vows To Hit Iran "Very Hard" If Tehran Behind flydubai Incident5 Israeli Civilians To Be Awarded For Overpowering flydubai Co-PilotTrump Vows To Hit Iran "Very Hard" If Tehran Behind Attack On flydubai Indian Pilot"Kill Me, Kill Me": Netanyahu Says Omani Co-Pilot Was Suicidal, Radicalised'He Always Has Plan B, Plan C': Pilot Who Trained With Captain Smit Machchhar
Relays The National
The HinduIndia
flydubai co-pilot intended to crash plane into Tel Aviv airport, UAE prosecutor says Frames the attack as targeting Israelis and accords
19 more from The HinduCo-pilot accused of trying to hijack flydubai plane likely acted alone: ReportsFlydubai co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami: What we know about the alleged attacker?Trump says Iran will be hit ‘very hard’ if it is behind copilot who tried to crash flight to IsraelIsraeli PM hails Indian pilot wounded in diverted flydubai flightNetanyahu warns 'very heavy price' if any power behind flydubai incidentBomb threat forces airliner from Tel Aviv to divert to Bulgaria2 Maldivian pilots detained in UAE over alleged plot to down flydubai aircraftIsrael to honour Capt. Smit Machchhar with civilian heroism awardUAE shared details about FlyDubai flight with Israel, including pilots’ names, nationalitiesNetanyahu invites ‘true hero’ Indian flydubai captain to Israelflydubai attack: Dubai Crown Prince praises Indian pilot MachchharFlydubai co-pilot attacked pilot with axe, attempted ‘terrorist’ attack, says UAEExtremist concerns emerge over FlyDubai co-pilotFlyDubai co-pilot was Omani national flagged over extremism concerns, sources sayIsrael to start repatriation flights for passengers stranded in UAE following flydubai attackSaudi Arabia says flydubai co-pilot who tried to crash Israel-bound jet transferred to UAE; Trump alleges copilot linked to IranNoneNetanyahu says flydubai flight attacker underwent radical indoctrinationFlydubai pilot attack: UAE probes possible 'terror' link
Daily MaverickSouth Africa
Publication date unavailableRelays Reuters, Flightradar24, Israeli media
China DailyChina
Global TimesChina
Asahi ShimbunJapan
Plane bound for Israel makes emergency landing; did pilot stab colleague and attempt to crash it? Translated headline. Original: イスラエル行き航空機が緊急着陸 パイロットが同僚刺し、墜落試み? Highlights flight-tracking data
1 more from Asahi ShimbunDid Flydubai co-pilot attempt to crash at Israel’s main airport? Local media report
The Korea HeraldSouth Korea
Relays Reuters
Yonhap News AgencySouth Korea
[Video] The cockpit door that finally opened despite being struck with an axe… a moving interview with the ‘hero’ captain Translated headline. Original: [영상] 도끼 맞고도 끝내 연 조종실 문…'영웅' 기장의 감동 인터뷰 Reports Trump's personal attribution to Iran
21 more from Yonhap News AgencyFlydubai co-pilot inspired by 9/11… attempted to crash aircraft in IsraelFlydubai co-pilot who attempted hijacking appears to have targeted an Israeli airport for attackFlydubai co-pilot admits intent to “deliberately crash” toward Israel (Roundup)Flydubai co-pilot admits intending to “deliberately crash” toward IsraelFlydubai captain: “I thought passengers would lose their lives if I couldn’t get back on my feet” (comprehensive)Flydubai First Officer Had Previously Been Barred From Flying Over ‘Concerns About Radical Ideas’Trump on suspected Russian plague leak: “Watching closely… will help as much as possible”Israel also joins investigation of co-pilot who attempted to crash an Israel-bound passenger plane“My warning was right”… Netanyahu, criticized over security failures, touts his intelligence capabilities“Intentional crash imminent”: Flydubai suspends all flights to IsraelIsrael bars United Airlines captain from the U.S. from entering… “Signs of support for Iran”Passenger plane from Israel bound for Europe makes emergency landing after bomb threat report“I thought, ‘I can’t die like this’”… First interview with the captain who prevented a passenger plane from crashingFalse Hijacking Alert for Germany-Bound Passenger Plane Sparks Fighter Jet Scramble‘Flydubai hijacking attempt’ co-pilot also abandoned an attempt to carry out the crime in JulyFlydubai co-pilot studied in Australia; probe examines possibility of radicalization thereLone perpetrator likely behind terror attempt on Flydubai passenger planeNetanyahu orders full review of security procedures for foreign civilian aircraft bound for Israel“We need a pilot!”… New video released of tense Flydubai incidentCo-pilot who attempted to deliberately crash passenger plane taken to UAE; investigation into suspected terrorism linksTrump: “flydubai co-pilot appears to be linked to Iran… under investigation”
ClarínArgentina
Flydubai pilot speaks for the first time about the assault he suffered in the cockpit: “The most terrifying thing I heard and felt was the engines losing power. [...] I felt the plane going into a nosedive” Translated headline. Original: El piloto de Flydubai habló por primera vez de la agresión que sufrió en la cabina: “Lo más aterrador que oí y sentí fue cómo los motores perdían potencia. [...] Sentí que el avión caía en picado” Quotes Ben Gvir's accusation
19 more from ClarínAttack on Flydubai flight: Copilot reportedly wanted to imitate 9/11 and crash the plane at Israel’s main airportThree Years After Hamas Attack, Threat of New Attack Reignites Tensions in IsraelCo-pilot identified in the attack on FlyDubai, and other news from the Middle EastInjured FlyDubai captain recounts struggle to save passengers and other news from the Middle EastFlydubai flight: Another video from inside the plane emerges, raising a new question about the co-pilot from OmanTrump promises to hit Iran “very hard” if it is linked to the attack on flydubaiAttack on Flydubai flight: Investigators are looking into whether the co-pilot acted out of terrorism or due to a mental disorder, and say that “all scenarios are being examined”Who is the FlyDubai pilot being hailed as a hero?What is known about the co-pilot of the Flydubai plane bound for Israel who was detained in Saudi ArabiaFlydubai plane bound for Israel, LIVE: Latest on the pilots’ fight and investigation into possible attackIsrael denounces the FlyDubai plane incident as a terrorist attack: “He wanted to crash the plane and kill 180 Israelis”Three years after Hamas’s attack, security failures weigh on Benjamin Netanyahu amid Israel’s election campaignEvents across the country: Israel mourns the October 7 attack as Gaza lives amid the ruins of three years of warIsrael marks third anniversary of Hamas’s terrorist attack“I couldn’t let all those people die”: Flydubai’s Indian pilot spoke for the first time after his co-pilot’s attackUnited States bolsters its presence in the Middle East: sends 9,000 troops and a third aircraft carrier amid tensions with IranUS moves thousands of troops to the Middle East as Trump weighs new attacks on IranBomb threat on plane traveling from Tel Aviv to Vienna: it had to make an emergency landing in BulgariaFlydubai flight: Oman co-pilot was barred from his own country, report reveals
Relays La Vanguardia, news agencies
Agência BrasilBrazil
Israel vows to get to the “source” of attack on Flydubai flight Translated headline. Original: Israel promete chegar à “origem” de ataque em voo da Flydubai Emphasizes UAE jurisdiction and law
teleSUR EnglishVenezuela
Flydubai Flight Sabotage: 7 Critical Facts Behind Extremist Investigation Captain describes regaining control and opening the cockpit
1 more from teleSUR EnglishU.S. To Send Third Aircraft Carrier Strike Group to West Asia
3 Oct 2026 16:03 (timezone unknown)Relays Agencies, Al Arabiya
Mehr News AgencyIran
Abu Dhabi-Tel Aviv flight sends signal, diverted to S Arabia Reports the emergency signal and diversion
HürriyetTürkiye
Pilot who prevented disaster on Flydubai plane recounts moments of attack Translated headline. Original: Flydubai uçağında felaketi önleyen pilot saldırı anlarını anlattı Notes uncertainty about possible foreign links
2 more from HürriyetNetanyahu found the crisis he was looking for aboard a UAE planeChilling claim about the plane that sent a hijacking code: “The pilot tried to crash the plane”
RIA NovostiRussia
Flydubai pilot noticed nothing unusual in his colleague’s behavior before the flight Translated headline. Original: Пилот Flydubai не заметил странностей в поведении коллеги до полета Reports passengers were asked to untie him
37 more from RIA NovostiFlydubai pilot wanted to attack an airport in Israel, UAE attorney general saysIsraeli doctor recounts saving Flydubai pilotNew details emerge in the Flydubai flight incident caseMedia: Flydubai co-pilot trained at a flight school in BritainAustralian university confirms Flydubai incident suspect studied thereMedia: Flydubai pilot planned to crash the plane at Ben Gurion AirportFlydubai co-pilot may have shut down both engines during the attack, media reports say“A blow to the back of the head”: Flydubai flight captain reveals details of the attackFlydubai passengers describe dispute with crew membersEyewitnesses recount how they subdued a FlyDubai pilotThe Flydubai incident may have been directed against Israel, embassy believesTrump said a Flydubai plane saved a plumberFlydubai passengers recount details of what happened on boardUAE reports on Flydubai pilot’s propensity for terrorismMedia: Flydubai pilot called the plane the safest mode of transportRiyadh to investigate Flydubai flight, media reportRed Wings will continue operating flights to Israel at full capacityTrump said he considers Iran responsible for the incident involving FlydubaiOman did not report FlyDubai pilot’s radical views, media reportNetanyahu orders thorough checks of foreign airline pilotsIsrael had information on Flydubai flight crew before departure, AP reportsMedia: Australian intelligence agencies are checking the background of Flydubai’s second pilotNetanyahu invited the pilot who prevented a plane crash to visit IsraelIsrael is investigating who may have orchestrated the attack aboard FlyDubaiUAE Attorney General Orders Investigation into FlyDubai Flight IncidentMedia: Netanyahu cancels trip to Gaza due to an emergency aboard a Flydubai flightUAE publishes details of the confessional testimony of Flydubai’s co-pilotPassenger recounts backup pilots who landed a Flydubai planeIsrael does not know whether Iran is linked to the incident on a Flydubai flight, media reportFlydubai attack suspect had previously flown to Israel, WSJ reportsCNN: Flydubai pilot suspected in the attack may have acted aloneMedia: Man who attacked Flydubai plane captain studied at a British universityMedia: Suspect in Flydubai onboard incident wanted to crash the plane in IsraelMedia: Man who attacked Flydubai captain underwent treatment in SyriaMedia: Omani authorities had previously banned the pilot who attacked a colleague from flyingUAE President’s adviser calls incident on FlyDubai flight a terrorist attackFlydubai flight’s co-pilot questioned, media report
RapplerPhilippines
Also mentioned in passing by 2 outlets

More detail

Written by our automated pipeline from the statements in the coverage; each point lists the statements it rests on.

Key points

Passengers and crew subdued the co-pilot after Captain Smit Machchhar opened the cockpit door; other pilots aboard landed the aircraft in Tabuk.

Sources (3)

witnesses and Israeli authorities · our summary of CBC News

Our summary of Deutsche Welle

“I was being hit even then, but I just opened the door and everyone came in”
Smit Machchhar · quoted in France 24

UAE prosecutors said the co-pilot planned to crash the plane into the Ben Gurion Airport terminal, drew inspiration from the September 11 attacks and used two earlier flights to learn the route and airport. They said he claimed to have acted alone, an account investigators were still checking.

Sources (4)

United Arab Emirates · our summary of The Times of Israel

UAE public prosecutors · our summary of Deutsche Welle

UAE public prosecutors · our summary of Deutsche Welle

Hamad Saif Al-Chamsi, UAE attorney general · our summary of Le Monde

As quoted in French, with a machine translation

“…a affirmé avoir agi seul, sans l’implication d’autres personnes”

Machine translation: “…stated that he had acted alone, without the involvement of other people”

Prosecutors said employment checks found no signs of extremist views or attack plans. Separate reporting said Oman had barred the co-pilot from flying and Flydubai did not contact Oman to verify his experience when hiring him.

Sources (4)

Hamad Saif Al-Chamsi, UAE attorney general · our summary of Le Monde

As quoted in French, with a machine translation

“…remplissait les conditions professionnelles et de sécurité requises à l’embauche”

Machine translation: “…met the professional and security requirements for employment”

Hamad Saif Al-Chamsi, UAE attorney general · our summary of Le Monde

As quoted in French, with a machine translation

“Aucune de ces procédures n’a révélé d’indices laissant supposer ses opinions extrémistes”

Machine translation: “None of these procedures revealed any indications suggesting his extremist views”

The Wall Street Journal · our summary of RIA Novosti, via The Wall Street Journal

As quoted in Russian, with a machine translation

“…ранее был лишен права на полеты властями Омана из-за опасений, что он придерживается радикальных идеологических взглядов”

No translation yet.

Wall Street Journal · our summary of RIA Novosti, via Wall Street Journal

Australian authorities are investigating the co-pilot’s links to Australia. RMIT said he enrolled but did not complete an engineering qualification; New Zealand Police confirmed that he completed part of his flight training there.

Sources (4)

Victoria Joint Counter Terrorism Team · our summary of Yonhap News Agency, via Reuters, Bloomberg, ABC

Police and intelligence services in Australia · our summary of France 24

RMIT, Australian university · our summary of RIA Novosti

As quoted in Russian, with a machine translation

“Этот человек был зачислен в RMIT, но не смог успешно завершить обучение с получением инженерной квалификации”

No translation yet.

New Zealand Police · our summary of RIA Novosti

Trump said he believed Iran was responsible, while Vance and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said they had no conclusive evidence or proof at that point. Iran rejected the allegations and called them fabricated.

Sources (4)

Donald Trump, U.S. president · our summary of CNews

As quoted in French, with a machine translation

“Oui, je le pense, je le pense personnellement”

Machine translation: “Yes, I think so, I personally think so.”

JD Vance, U.S. vice president · our summary of The Hankyoreh

“To be 100 percent clear, we don't have for now proofs they were after this attack”
Gideon Sa'ar, Israel's foreign minister · quoted in NDTV

Esmaeil Baqaei, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson · our summary of Tehran Times

Flydubai suspended flights to Israel during the investigation, and Netanyahu ordered a security review amid disputes over oversight. Israel scrambled fighter jets after a hijacking signal; an Israeli Air Force officer said the signal alone did not prove a hijacking had occurred.

Sources (4)

Flydubai · our summary of Yonhap News Agency, via AP; Xinhua News Agency

As quoted in Korean, with a machine translation

“이날 FZ1073편과 관련한 사고 발생에 따라 조사가 진행되는 기간 이스라엘 왕복 플라이두바이 항공편 운항을 중단할 것”

No translation yet.

“At the request of the authorities, we have temporarily suspended flights to Tel Aviv until further notice.”
Ghaith Al Ghaith, Flydubai chief executive · quoted in TASS

Prime Minister's Office · our summary of Le Monde

Our summary of RIA Novosti

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Photo credits

Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 A6-FKF at Dubai International Airport on 2 January 2026. The aircraft was later involved in Flight 1073.

File:A6-FKF B737Max8 2026-01-02 DXB FlyDubai psnb.jpeg · UB-TY144 · CC BY-SA 4.0

https://flickr.com/photos/202035768@N08/55036233312

Creator Original source

Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0

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