Flydubai Co-Pilot ‘Perhaps a Terrorist or a Whack Job’, Says Donald Trump After Cockpit Stabbing on Israel-Bound Plane
US President Donald Trump has said the co-pilot who allegedly stabbed the captain of an Israel-bound Flydubai jet was 'perhaps a terrorist or perhaps a whack job'. The plane plunged thousands of feet before landing safely in Saudi Arabia.
US President Donald Trump has weighed in on the cockpit attack aboard an Israel-bound Flydubai flight, saying the co-pilot who allegedly stabbed the captain was "perhaps a terrorist or perhaps a whack job". The incident happened on Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a violent struggle broke out in the cockpit, sending the Boeing aircraft into a sharp descent over northern Saudi Arabia. Passengers and crew stepped in before the jet was diverted and landed safely, and the motive behind the attack remains under investigation.
Trump also praised the wounded captain, saying he was badly hurt but still managed to open the cockpit door and scream for help. "In a way he was a hero," the US President said. Flydubai Hijack Scare: Indian-Origin Captain Smit Machchhar Regains Control of ‘Crashing’ Plane After Co-Pilot Attack.
Trump On Flydubai Cockpit Stabbing: Co-Pilot 'Perhaps A Terrorist Or Perhaps A Whack Job'
BREAKING: President Trump says the co-pilot who allegedly stabbed the captain of an Israel-bound Flydubai jet was "perhaps a terrorist or perhaps a whack job."
Trump says the badly wounded captain still managed to open the cockpit door and scream for help.
"In a way he was a… pic.twitter.com/osmdBm0tSp
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 30, 2026
Plane Plunged Thousands Of Feet
The aircraft lost thousands of feet in altitude while the fight was underway in the cockpit. Reports say the captain, identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar, was severely wounded but used his last moments of consciousness to unlock the door and call for help. Flydubai Pilot Attack: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Warns of ‘Additional Threats’ After Plane Crash Attempt.
Passengers And Off-Duty Crew Step In
According to reports, passengers, including one named Yaniv Hayoun, rushed into the cockpit, put the attacker in a chokehold and helped stabilise the aircraft. Off-duty pilots on board then took over the controls.
Emergency Landing In Saudi Arabia
The jet was diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where local authorities arrested the suspect. Officials have reportedly said the co-pilot is an Omani national.
Motive Under Investigation
Authorities have not confirmed why the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain. Israeli officials have treated the episode as a serious security matter, and the investigation is ongoing.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2026 07:21 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
