DUBAI, UAE — October 1, 2026 : The United Arab Emirates has opened an investigation into an incident aboard a flydubai passenger flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv that was diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely at Tabuk Airport.
The UAE Foreign Ministry said it was closely following the incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073, which was diverted to Tabuk after an altercation reportedly took place in the aircraft’s flight deck.
The aircraft was carrying 174 passengers, including 27 children, according to the information released about the incident.
Pilot Injured During Cockpit Altercation
According to reports, Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar intervened after his co-pilot allegedly attempted to take control of the aircraft with the intention of causing a crash.
Machchhar was reportedly stabbed and seriously injured during the confrontation in the cockpit. Flydubai said that an altercation had occurred in the flight deck and that crew members travelling on board intervened and helped secure the aircraft.
The aircraft was subsequently diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
The co-pilot, reported to be an Omani national, was arrested and questioned by Saudi authorities, according to the information released following the incident.
UAE Orders Formal Investigation
UAE Attorney-General Counsellor Hamad Al Shamsi ordered the formation of a specialised investigation team from the Public Prosecution to determine the circumstances and causes of the incident.
The investigation is being conducted in coordination with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and other relevant UAE authorities.
The UAE Foreign Ministry said its judicial authorities have jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and operates under the UAE flag. Accordingly, UAE law applies to offences committed aboard the aircraft, even when they occur outside UAE territory.
Possible Terror Link Being Examined
Authorities are examining the circumstances, motives and possible planning behind the incident.
The investigation will also determine whether there was any connection to terrorist activity or intent, or whether the incident involved prior planning or direction.
Importantly, authorities have not established a terrorist motive at this stage. The investigation remains ongoing.
The UAE Foreign Ministry urged the public to rely on information released by official authorities and avoid spreading speculation or unverified reports while investigators establish the facts.
Saudi Arabia Cooperating With UAE
The UAE expressed appreciation to Saudi authorities for their cooperation and for handling the emergency landing at Tabuk.
The safe landing allowed authorities to secure the aircraft and begin investigating the circumstances surrounding the cockpit incident.
The incident has involved authorities from several countries because of the aircraft’s UAE registration, its departure from Dubai, its intended destination of Tel Aviv and its diversion to Saudi Arabia.
Netanyahu: Too Early to Determine Who Was Behind Incident
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was too early to determine who was responsible for the incident.
He said the pilot involved was being investigated in Saudi Arabia and indicated that the UAE would likely become involved in the investigation because of the aircraft’s UAE connection.
The investigation is expected to examine the sequence of events inside the cockpit, the motives of the co-pilot, the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack on the captain and whether there was any advance planning.
What Is Confirmed
- Flight: flydubai FZ1073
- Route: Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Diversion: Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Passengers: 174, including 27 children
- Captain: Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar
- Reported incident: Altercation in the cockpit
- Captain’s condition: Reportedly seriously injured
- Co-pilot: Reportedly arrested and questioned by Saudi authorities
- Investigation: Led by UAE authorities in coordination with relevant agencies
- Terrorism angle: Being examined, but no motive has been established
The UAE has stressed that the investigation must establish the facts before conclusions are drawn.
