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Flydubai Co-Pilot Stabs Indian Captain Mid-Flight; Terror Probe Launched in UAE
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Moneycontrol•02-10-2026, 07:20
Flydubai Co-Pilot Stabs Indian Captain Mid-Flight; Terror Probe Launched in UAE
- •A flydubai co-pilot allegedly stabbed Indian captain Smit Machchhar on a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, forcing an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- •Both pilots were transferred to the UAE, where Emirati prosecutors are investigating the incident, including a possible terror connection, prior planning, or external direction.
- •The UAE has jurisdiction as the aircraft is registered there, and its laws apply to crimes committed aboard the plane, even outside Emirati territory.
- •Israeli officials reported the co-pilot, identified as an Omani national, may have undergone "Islamist radical indoctrination" and intended to bring down the aircraft, though investigations are ongoing.
- •US President Donald Trump suggested a possible Iranian link, but Israeli security officials have not found evidence of Iranian involvement at this stage.
Key Questions Answered
Flydubai flight FZ1073 made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a midair cockpit altercation and stabbing incident occurred between the pilot and co-pilot during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Crew members intervened to secure the aircraft, which was carrying 174 passengers and eight crew members.
UAE authorities hold jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered in the Emirates and flies under the UAE flag, meaning UAE law applies to crimes committed aboard the plane even outside Emirati territory.
UAE prosecutors and international officials are investigating the motive, including whether the episode was connected to terrorist activity, involved prior planning, or had potential links to radical indoctrination or Iran.
