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Flydubai Pilot Attack: Terrorism or Mental Disorder? Saudi Arabia, Israel, US, UAE, Oman Probe Motive
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News18•01-10-2026, 22:26
Flydubai Pilot Attack: Terrorism or Mental Disorder? Saudi Arabia, Israel, US, UAE, Oman Probe Motive
- •An Omani co-pilot stabbed the captain of a Flydubai flight bound for Israel, causing a dangerous descent before passengers and crew intervened.
- •The aircraft, carrying 174 people mostly Israelis, landed in Saudi Arabia after passengers grappled with the co-pilot and stabilized the plane.
- •Multiple countries, including Saudi Arabia, Israel, UAE, US, and Oman, are investigating the motive, considering both terrorism and mental disorders.
- •Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the attacker was indoctrinated, but his office declined to provide supporting details.
- •The injured Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, is in stable condition and is credited with opening the cockpit door, allowing intervention.
Key Questions Answered
An Omani co-pilot attacked the Indian captain and stabbed him, causing the aircraft to enter a sharp and dangerous descent before passengers and crew intervened.
Saudi authorities are leading the probe in coordination with multiple nations, including Israel, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Oman.
Captain Smit Machchhar was reported to be in a stable condition after the incident, having been widely praised for opening the cockpit door while injured so passengers could intervene.
