Co‑pilot Attacks Captain on Flydubai Flight to Israel with Crash Axe
By Ella Kipling | 3 Oct 2026 | 6 minutes ago
The co‑pilot of a Flydubai flight heading to Tel Aviv allegedly assaulted the captain with a crash axe in an attempt to seize control of the aircraft, the UAE prosecutor general announced.
The aircraft, carrying more than 170 passengers, lost 17,000 feet (5,200 m) of altitude roughly two and a half hours into the flight.
Passengers and crew intervened, subduing the attacker and allowing on‑board pilots to land the plane safely. Capt Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed, was transported to hospital before being airlifted to Abu Dhabi, where he is said to be in stable condition.
A crash axe is routinely kept on board for emergencies, not for assault. Authorities are investigating the incident’s motive and any potential terrorist link, noting the attacker was reportedly Omani.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the attacker as “suicidal” and suggested Islamist indoctrination. The UAE state news agency affirmed ongoing inquiries into any terrorism connection.
India’s embassy praised Capt Machchhar’s courage and conveyed his optimistic outlook, “I am confident that I will recover fully.”
Quotes: “I am confident I will recover fully and become fit again.” – Capt Smit Machchhar.
