Flydubai Flight FZ1073 diverted to Tabuk after co‑pilot attempted attack

Attack in the cockpit

The co‑pilot of flydubai Flight FZ1073 assaulted captain Smit Machchhar with a crash axe and attempted to seize control of the Boeing 737 MAX 8, intending to crash the aircraft into the passenger terminal at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, according to the UAE Attorney‑General on 9 October.

The captain managed to open the locked cockpit door, allowing passengers and two off‑duty pilots to intervene and restrain the attacker.

Passenger and crew response

Passengers, including six Israeli passengers later honored by President Herzog, and crew members overpowered the co‑pilot and helped bring the aircraft under control.

The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers and six crew members according to the Indian NIA filing, landed safely at Tabuk Airport (Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport) at about 10:45 am GST.

Other reports state the flight carried 182 people, including 174 passengers.

Legal investigations

India’s National Investigation Agency registered a case under the Anti‑Hijacking Act and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, citing “grave national and international ramifications.”

Recognition of the captain

Israeli President Isaac Herzog sent a letter to Captain Machchhar expressing gratitude and announced a Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism to be presented after his recovery.