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Omani Co-Pilot Stabs Indian Colleague on Flydubai Flight, Prompts Emergency Landing
M
Moneycontrol•01-10-2026, 12:09
Omani Co-Pilot Stabs Indian Colleague on Flydubai Flight, Prompts Emergency Landing
- •An Omani co-pilot allegedly stabbed his Indian colleague, Captain Smit Machchar, and attempted to interfere with controls on Flydubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
- •The incident, which occurred at 34,000 feet, led to a dramatic descent of over 14,000 feet in under a minute and an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
- •Israeli authorities are investigating the incident, including whether it was an attempted terrorist attack, and are scrutinizing crew assignment procedures for flights to Israel.
- •The co-pilot, identified only as an Omani national, was reportedly described by a colleague as unusually religious, praying frequently and refusing handshakes with women.
- •Captain Machchar, despite injuries, resisted the attacker, regained cockpit access, and with the help of passengers and crew, overpowered the co-pilot.
Key Questions Answered
An Omani co-pilot allegedly stabbed Indian captain Smit Machchhar in the cockpit and tried to interfere with the aircraft's controls at 34,000 feet, prompting an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where he was detained.
Israeli officials identified him as an Omani national who worked for Flydubai for less than a year. Media reports citing a fellow pilot alleged he was unusually religious, prayed frequently, and refused to shake hands with women, though authorities have not established a motive.
The incident drew scrutiny because Oman lacks diplomatic relations with Israel, prompting Israeli authorities to examine how the co-pilot was cleared for the route and to announce tighter security vetting for incoming pilots.
