# Flydubai co-pilot accused of midair attack

> Flydubai co-pilot reportedly underwent Islamist indoctrination before midair stabbing attempt.
- Title: Flydubai co-pilot accused of midair attack · Dallas Express
- Summary: Flydubai co-pilot reportedly underwent Islamist indoctrination before midair stabbing attempt. Flydubai co-pilot accused of stabbing captain on Israel-bound…
- Keywords: flydubai, co-pilot, stabbing, israel, saudi arabia, uae, netanyahu, indian prime minister, tabuk, boeing 737-8 max, news, politics
- Source: Dallas Express — https://dallasexpress.com/crime/flydubai-co-pilot-accused-of-radical-indoctrination-in-midair-attack
- Author: Dallas Express
- Published: 2026-10-02T14:50:05+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: flydubai, co-pilot, stabbing, israel, saudi arabia, uae, netanyahu, indian prime minister, tabuk, boeing 737-8 max, news, politics
## Netanyahu says suspect underwent radical indoctrination
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reported the Flydubai co-pilot accused of midair stabbing underwent Islamist radical indoctrination.

> Islamist radical indoctrination
## Attack occurred on Dubai to Tel Aviv flight
The cockpit attack happened Wednesday on Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 passengers and eight crew members.
## Passengers and crew intervened
Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, opened the cockpit door despite stab wounds to allow passengers to subdue the co-pilot.
## Aircraft diverted to Saudi Arabia
The aircraft diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely after passengers and crew intervened.
## Co-pilot transferred to UAE for investigation
UAE authorities ordered a specialized prosecution team to investigate the incident after co-pilots left Saudi Arabia for Abu Dhabi.
## Flydubai suspends Israel flights
Flydubai temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel while authorities investigate the September 30 incident.
## Key takeaway

Flydubai co-pilot accused of stabbing captain on Israel-bound flight underwent Islamist radical indoctrination.