Netanyahu Says Flydubai Co-Pilot Had “Islamist Radical Indoctrination” as Investigation Continues

An attempted cockpit attack aboard a Flydubai passenger flight has triggered an international investigation after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and the aircraft plunged thousands of feet before passengers intervened.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Omani co-pilot had undergone what he described as “Islamist radical indoctrination,” while emphasizing that investigators were still examining the circumstances and possible motive.

The incident occurred on September 30 aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with more than 170 people aboard, according to Reuters and other reports.

During the flight, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with a sharp weapon, leaving the captain seriously injured and causing the aircraft to lose altitude rapidly.

 

 

 

The wounded captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter, overpower the attacker, and help restore control of the aircraft.

The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Saudi authorities later said both pilots received medical treatment before being transferred to the United Arab Emirates.

Reuters reported that Israeli security officials initially assessed the co-pilot as likely acting alone, although the investigation remained active and authorities had not established a final motive.

The United Arab Emirates opened an investigation intended to determine the circumstances and motives, including whether the incident involved terrorist activity, prior planning, or direction from another party.

Netanyahu said information from the co-pilot’s personal background indicated radicalization and described him as apparently suicidal, but he also said he was not making a final determination.

That distinction is important because Netanyahu’s statement represents an assessment by an Israeli political leader, while investigators in the UAE and other countries are still establishing the factual circumstances.

 

 

The co-pilot has been identified by Israeli officials as an Omani national. Omani authorities have not publicly provided a detailed explanation of his background or the allegations surrounding him.

Reports have also emerged that the man had previously faced restrictions on flying in Oman because of concerns about extremist views, although details and their relevance remain under investigation.

The episode has raised questions about how the co-pilot passed aviation and security screening before joining the airline, particularly given reports about his earlier history in Oman.

Israeli officials have also examined whether the attacker had accomplices or outside direction. Netanyahu mentioned the possibility of Iranian involvement but said it was too early to reach conclusions.

Reuters reported that Israeli officials had not identified Iranian involvement at the time of their initial assessment, and there has been no publicly established evidence tying Tehran to the incident.

The flight’s dramatic descent reportedly exceeded 14,000 feet in less than half a minute, according to flight-tracking information cited by ABC News, underscoring the seriousness of the emergency.

 

 

Captain Machchhar was later praised by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after describing how he fought to regain control and open the cockpit door despite being wounded.

Flydubai suspended flights to Israel following the incident, while Israeli authorities arranged measures to assist passengers affected by the disruption and the broader security investigation.

The case is developing amid heightened regional tensions and weeks before Israel’s election, making aviation security and the possibility of extremist violence particularly sensitive political and security issues.

For now, the strongest verified conclusion is that a serious cockpit attack occurred and was prevented from becoming a crash; claims about ideology, terrorism, accomplices, or foreign involvement remain under investigation.

Key verified points

• Flight: Flydubai FZ1073, Dubai–Tel Aviv.
• Incident: The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain during the flight.
• Emergency: The aircraft lost more than 14,000 feet rapidly before control was restored.
• Diversion: The plane landed safely at Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
• Passengers: More than 170 people were aboard.
• Investigation: UAE, Israeli and Saudi authorities have been involved.
• Netanyahu’s claim: He said the co-pilot underwent “Islamist radical indoctrination.”
• Iran: Israeli officials had not established Iranian involvement in their initial assessment.

Sources & References

• Reuters — Netanyahu says Flydubai co-pilot underwent Islamist radical indoctrination
• Reuters — Israel vows to investigate Flydubai attack
• ABC News — Netanyahu claims Flydubai co-pilot was radically indoctrinated
• Associated Press — FlyDubai co-pilot previously barred from flying in Oman
• The Guardian — Investigation into the Flydubai cockpit attack