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Israeli Passengers Subdue Co-Pilot During Attempted Hijacking of Tel Aviv-Bound Flight

Based on 3 sources Updated 7 hours ago

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on September 30, 2026, following a violent cockpit struggle. Israeli officials report that the Omani co-pilot allegedly stabbed the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, and attempted to crash the Boeing 737. Flight data indicated the aircraft plunged approximately 14,000 feet in less than a minute before passengers intervened.

Passengers, including an individual with aviation experience, entered the cockpit after the wounded captain managed to unlock the door. They successfully restrained the co-pilot, while a second flight crew on board assisted in stabilizing and landing the aircraft. All 174 to 180 passengers were reported safe, though the captain and the suspect were hospitalized.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the event as a "chain of miracles" and stated that investigators believe the co-pilot had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination. While the investigation continues, Israeli officials are examining potential links to extremist ideology and whether the suspect intended to crash the plane into Ben-Gurion Airport. Some officials have suggested the incident could have been a major terror attack, with investigations into possible external involvement ongoing.

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