An Omani co-pilot was arrested in Saudi Arabia after allegedly stabbing the captain and attempting to crash a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv on 30 September 2026. The aircraft plunged about 17,400 feet in less than two minutes before passengers and crew members intervened and subdued the attacker.
- The flight was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Regional Airport, Saudi Arabia.
- The incident was described by Israeli officials as a serious security incident and suspected terrorist attack.
- Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, was seriously injured while fighting back against the attacker and helping prevent the aircraft from crashing.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and US President Donald Trump praised Captain Machchhar for his courage and credited him with helping save the lives of those on board.
- Captain Machchhar is receiving treatment at a hospital in Tabuk, and initial reports said his condition was stable.
- The Indian Embassy in Riyadh and Consulate General in Jeddah are in contact with his family and Saudi authorities and are providing assistance.
