Hijacking Scare on Dubai–Tel Aviv Flydubai Flight After Cockpit Violence
TABUK, Saudi Arabia — September 30, 2026: A Flydubai passenger aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after a violent incident in the cockpit triggered a hijacking alert and widespread panic among passengers.
The aircraft, Flydubai Flight FZ1073, was carrying approximately 180 passengers. It had been travelling toward Israel when an emergency situation developed onboard. The plane ultimately landed safely at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia, and passengers and crew were reported safe.
🚨 Hijacking code triggers alarm
According to reports based on flight-tracking information, the aircraft transmitted the international 7500 code, which indicates unlawful interference or a possible hijacking. The signal immediately raised concerns that the aircraft could have been taken over.
The aircraft subsequently changed course toward Saudi Arabia rather than continuing to Tel Aviv. Israeli fighter aircraft were reportedly scrambled amid the initial concern that the passenger plane might have been hijacked.
However, Israeli security officials later said the incident did not appear to be a conventional hijacking. Early reports indicated that the emergency was connected to a confrontation inside the cockpit involving the pilots.
✈️ Violent confrontation inside cockpit
Reports emerging after the emergency landing said that a serious physical confrontation occurred between the two pilots.
Some reports, citing passengers and officials, said one pilot was stabbed during the confrontation. Passengers reportedly became aware that something was seriously wrong after hearing shouting and seeing signs of blood.
There were also reports that the aircraft briefly descended rapidly, adding to fears among passengers that the aircraft could lose control. Other pilots who were reportedly travelling as passengers may have assisted in taking control of the aircraft and bringing it safely to Saudi Arabia. These details remain subject to investigation.
😨 Passengers feared the worst
Passengers described moments of extreme panic inside the aircraft.
Reports said passengers heard screams and realized that there had been an incident involving the cockpit. Some passengers reportedly moved toward the cockpit and helped restrain the person involved in the confrontation.
Images and videos circulating from inside the aircraft reportedly showed blood on clothing and passengers gathering around the injured pilot.
Despite the frightening circumstances, the aircraft was eventually brought safely to Tabuk.
🇸🇦 Emergency landing in Saudi Arabia
After diverting from its original route, the aircraft landed at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Airport authorities reported that emergency procedures were carried out and that the passengers and crew were accounted for. The pilots were reportedly taken for medical treatment following the incident.
The emergency landing was particularly significant because the flight was travelling between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, and the aircraft was carrying a large number of Israeli passengers.
Update:
Pilots involved
Captain Smit Machchhar — Indian national; reported to be the pilot in command. He was reportedly stabbed during the confrontation and was taken to hospital after the emergency landing in Tabuk.
Hindustan Times
Co-pilot — Reports identify him as an Omani national, but his name has not been publicly confirmed by reliable sources yet. Reuters also reports that Israeli officials identified the alleged attacker as Omani.
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