Flydubai Flight FZ1073 hijack attempt thwarted, co‑pilot allegedly planned crash
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UAE authorities say the co‑pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 tried to seize the aircraft and crash it into Ben Gurion Airport; pilots and passengers intervened and landed the plane safely in Tabuk, while officials and groups issued contrasting reactions.
Plot and Intended Target
The UAE Attorney‑General said the co‑pilot intended to seize the aircraft and crash it into Ben Gurion Airport’s passenger terminal. Prosecutors added the plot was inspired by the September 11 attacks and that two earlier flights to Tel Aviv had been used to study the route and airport. The suspect had passed flydubai’s required professional and security checks, reportedly confessed in his lawyer’s presence and said he acted alone, and India’s National Investigation Agency has registered a formal case over the incident involving captain Smit Machchhar.
Intervention and Landing
Pilots assigned to the return service, together with cabin crew and passengers, intervened after the co‑pilot stabbed the other pilot with an emergency axe, regained control and landed the aircraft at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. An off‑duty pilot and another pilot who noticed the cockpit door opening and closing repeatedly also helped, and Israeli plumber Yaniv Hayun, who said he learned from the documentary series “Air Crash Investigation,” grabbed the yoke to stabilise the plane before the safe landing.
Official Recognition
Israeli President Isaac Herzog sent a letter to flydubai captain Smit Machchhar expressing deep gratitude for averting a catastrophe on 30 September 2026 and announced he would present the captain with the Presidential Award for Civilian Heroism once he recovers.
Allegations and Links
The co‑pilot, a 29‑year‑old Omani national, is alleged to have been radicalised from 2017 while studying at RMIT in Australia, attended a mosque in Melbourne and was acquainted with members of the Islamic organisation “My Centre” led by Abu Hamza (also known as Samir Mohtadi). Abu Hamza denied any criminal wrongdoing by his centre. A Melbourne man linked to the co‑pilot also condemned the accusations as false, while Australian police are investigating his connections. The flight was carrying over 170 Israeli passengers.