Flydubai co‑pilot attempted suicide attack on Ben Gurion, plane diverted to Tabuk

On 30 September 2026 the co‑pilot of flydubai Flight FZ1073 tried to seize the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and crash it into Ben Gurion Airport’s passenger terminal, according to the UAE Attorney‑General, while the aircraft was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv; pilots and cabin crew regained control and landed the plane at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia.

The co‑pilot assaulted captain Smit Machchhar with an emergency axe.

Investigations are ongoing, with the UAE Attorney‑General stating the plot was inspired by the September 11 attacks, India’s National Investigation Agency registering a case under anti‑hijacking and unlawful activities laws, and Saudi authorities arresting the co‑pilot.