FlyDubai Co-Pilot Who Attacked Capt Smit Machchhar Had ‘Radical Islamist Indoctrination’, Intended to Crash Plane: Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian Captain Smit Machchhar aboard a FlyDubai flight had undergone what he described as “Islamist radical indoctrination” and appeared intent on bringing down the aircraft.

Netanyahu made the comments as an international investigation continued into the September 30 incident involving FlyDubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people on board. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 was forced to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the co-pilot allegedly attacked Machchhar inside the cockpit. The aircraft had experienced a rapid and dangerous descent before passengers and crew intervened. Flydubai Flight Incident: What We Know About the Co-Pilot Who Allegedly Attempted To Crash the Plane.

Netanyahu Claims Attacker Underwent Radical Indoctrination

Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu said authorities had learned that the co-pilot had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination. He also described the attacker as suicidal and said he appeared to have intended to crash the aircraft. However, the exact motive remains under investigation. Authorities from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Israel, Oman and the United States are involved in examining the incident, and officials have said multiple possibilities are being considered. Netanyahu's comments therefore represent an account from the Israeli prime minister rather than a final finding from the international investigation.

Netanyahu Says Co-Pilot Underwent Islamist Indoctrination

BREAKING: "We know that he underwent Islamist radical indoctrination."

Israeli Prime Minister @netanyahu confirms the co-pilot involved in yesterday's hijacking attempt on an Israel-bound Flydubai flight is currently under interrogation, revealing initial findings of extremist… pic.twitter.com/KTJu2N5nwA

— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 1, 2026

Indian Captain Smit Machchhar Attacked in Cockpit

The incident unfolded while Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai towards Tel Aviv. The Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked Capt Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, inside the cockpit. Machchhar sustained serious injuries but managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to intervene. The passengers subsequently helped restrain the attacker, while other pilots on board assisted in regaining control of the aircraft. Machchhar was taken to a hospital in Saudi Arabia and was reported to be in stable condition. Flydubai Co-Pilot ‘Perhaps a Terrorist or a Whack Job’, Says Donald Trump After Cockpit Stabbing on Israel-Bound Plane.

FlyDubai Plane Made Rapid Descent

Flight-tracking data showed that the aircraft underwent a dramatic loss of altitude during the incident. The plane reportedly dropped more than 17,000 feet in roughly two minutes. It also transmitted emergency signals, including the 7500 code associated with unlawful interference or a suspected hijacking. The unusual flight path initially raised concerns in Israel that the aircraft could have been hijacked. Israeli authorities scrambled fighter jets as they sought to determine what was happening aboard the aircraft. The plane subsequently diverted towards Saudi Arabia and landed safely at Tabuk.

Attacker Remains in Saudi Custody

The alleged attacker, identified as an Omani national, was arrested after the aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia and is being questioned by Saudi authorities. The investigation is examining the circumstances of the cockpit attack, the suspected attempt to interfere with the aircraft's controls and the motive behind the assault. Israel has sought access to the suspect as part of its investigation, while authorities in several countries continue to coordinate over the case.

Investigation Into Motive Continues

While Netanyahu has linked the incident to Islamist radical indoctrination, officials have cautioned that the investigation is still developing. The Associated Press reported that investigators were considering possible motives ranging from terrorism to mental-health-related explanations, with no final determination publicly established at this stage. FlyDubai has also said the circumstances and underlying reasons for the incident remain subject to investigation. The incident has meanwhile drawn renewed attention to cockpit security and the procedures used to protect commercial aircraft from threats originating within the flight crew itself.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 01, 2026 06:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).