Flydubai Co-Pilot Discussed Killing Jews on Social Media, Israeli Official Says
An Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv had discussed killing Jewish people on social media, according to an Israeli official quoted by The Times of Israel, as authorities continue investigating the motive behind the mid-air attack.
An Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv had discussed killing Jewish people on social media, according to an Israeli official quoted by The Times of Israel, as authorities continue investigating the motive behind the mid-air attack. The co-pilot allegedly stabbed Indian captain Smit Machchhar aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 on Wednesday, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 was carrying 174 people, most of them Israelis.
According to the Israeli official, the suspect's social-media activity contained references to killing Jews and indicated that he had been radicalised by jihadist ideology. The official stressed that investigators were still examining the circumstances surrounding the incident. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu separately said the co-pilot had undergone what he described as Islamist radical indoctrination. Netanyahu also said the suspect appeared to have suicidal intentions, while cautioning that investigators still needed to establish the full picture. Flydubai Pilot Captain Smit Machchhar ‘In Good Health and Recovering Well’ in UAE Hospital, Says Indian Envoy.
The incident began when the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit. The wounded captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and other crew members to intervene and restrain the attacker. The aircraft subsequently descended sharply before passengers and off-duty pilots helped regain control. The flight was diverted to Tabuk, where it landed safely. Machchhar was injured in the attack but was later reported to be in stable condition and recovering.
The UAE has launched a formal investigation into the incident, including whether it was connected to terrorist activity. Authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information while the investigation continues. Saudi authorities are holding the suspected attacker, while Israeli officials have also sought involvement in questioning him. Investigators from several countries are examining his background, possible motive and whether anyone else was involved.
The co-pilot's nationality has been identified by Israeli officials as Omani, although some details concerning his identity and background have not been publicly released. Oman has not publicly confirmed all of the allegations surrounding the suspect. The incident has prompted renewed questions about security screening and the circumstances under which the co-pilot was assigned to the Dubai-Tel Aviv route. Flydubai has said the underlying reasons and motives remain subject to a formal investigation and has suspended flights to and from Israel following the incident. Donald Trump Says ‘It’s Possible’ Flydubai Pilot Linked to Iran’s IRGC (Video).
Investigators are now expected to examine the suspect's social-media activity, personal background and communications as they seek to determine whether the attack was planned and whether it was motivated by an extremist ideology.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2026 11:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
