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A plane, carrying passengers who were on the flydubai aircraft bound for Israel from the United Arab Emirates, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia following an emergency signal, arrives at the Ben Gurion International Airport, in Lod, near Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters
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Firstpost•02-10-2026, 09:55
New Footage Reveals Chaos on Flydubai Flight as Co-Pilot Allegedly Tries to Crash Plane
  • •Newly released footage shows the chaotic scenes inside Flydubai Flight 1073 after an alleged attack on Captain Smit Machchhar by the co-pilot, causing the plane to lose 17,400 feet in two minutes.
  • •Passengers and crew intervened to restrain the Omani co-pilot, who reportedly used a knife or emergency tool, and provided medical assistance to the injured Captain Machchhar.
  • •The aircraft, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv with over 170 people, transmitted an emergency signal indicating unlawful interference during the struggle.
  • •The intervention by passengers and off-duty personnel allowed the crew to regain control, preventing a potential aviation disaster.
  • •The flight made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the co-pilot was detained and later transferred to the UAE for investigation, while Captain Machchhar received medical treatment.

Key Questions Answered

An Omani co-pilot allegedly launched a sudden attack on Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit of Flydubai Flight 1073, sending the aircraft into a steep descent as it lost nearly 17,400 feet in two minutes. Passengers and crew members intervened to restrain the suspect, regain control of the aircraft, and prevent a potential disaster.

The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely following the emergency. Saudi authorities detained the suspect upon landing, and he was later transferred to the United Arab Emirates for investigation by prosecutors.

As the aircraft experienced unlawful interference and rapidly lost altitude, passengers and off-duty personnel rushed to the cockpit to help the crew. They provided medical assistance to the injured captain, bloodied from the confrontation, and successfully restrained the co-pilot until the plane could land safely.