Fly Dubai co‑pilot attempted to seize 737 MAX on Sep 30, 2026

On 30 September 2026 the co‑pilot of Fly Dubai Flight 1073 tried to seize the Boeing 737 MAX, attempted to kill the captain after a final prayer, and planned to divert the aircraft into the Tel Aviv terminal after landing as scheduled, but passengers stopped him; Israel launched fighter jets and said the plane would have been shot down if necessary.

The Islamist co‑pilot had devised the attack plan before joining Fly Dubai, had previously been fired by Oman Air for religious fanaticism and labeled a security risk, and was reportedly hired by Fly Dubai despite that designation; he is now in custody in Saudi Arabia and faces the death penalty.