Flydubai Flight FZ1073 cockpit attack on September 30, 2026
Written by AI from 8 reports listed below. Not checked by a person before publication. How we use AI
A co‑pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe on a Dubai‑to‑Tel Aviv flight, causing a rapid altitude loss before the aircraft diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Attack in the cockpit
The co‑pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 attempted to attack the captain with a crash axe and to take control of the aircraft while the flight was en route from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport on 30 September 2026.
The UAE Attorney‑General confirmed the co‑pilot’s use of the axe, and the incident is being treated as a terrorist attack by UAE authorities.
Altitude loss and diversion
During the attack the aircraft lost altitude rapidly, with one report stating a loss of more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds and another reporting a loss of approximately 16,625 feet in just over 30 seconds.
The flight diverted and made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after the captain and passengers intervened.
Injuries and passenger count
Captain Smit Machchhar was stabbed and seriously injured in the cockpit.
Flydubai reported that all 172 passengers and crew on board were safe, while Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior reported 174 passengers and eight crew members aboard the aircraft.
Investigations
The National Investigation Agency registered a case on 9 October 2026 under the Anti‑Hijacking Act, 2016 and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 to probe the mid‑air cockpit attack.
New Zealand Police are investigating the co‑pilot’s time in New Zealand, working with other agencies.
What's still unclear
Sources differ on the number of passengers and crew (172 total versus 174 passengers and eight crew) and on the altitude loss (more than 14,000 feet versus approximately 16,625 feet).
Analysed 8 reports from 8 publishers
Used in this story
- aviation24.be
- aviationpros.com
- aerotime.aero
- aircargoweek.com
- aviationfile.com
- orissapost.com
- tribuneindia.com
- pragativadi.com
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