Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on October 1, 2026, that the individual who attempted to hijack a flydubai flight to Israel had undergone "Islamist radical indoctrination". This assertion was based on personal information gathered by Israeli investigators. The incident occurred on September 30, 2026, when a flydubai plane carrying 174 passengers, mostly Israeli, was diverted to Saudi Arabia after the copilot, an Omani national, stabbed the pilot.
Netanyahu revealed that the copilot had slipped through a loophole in a rule that prohibits pilots flying to Israel from countries without diplomatic relations with Israel. The restriction had been applied to captains but not copilots. The attacker was subdued by passengers and crew members, and the plane landed safely at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia. The attacker remains in Saudi custody, while the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has initiated an investigation into the incident.
The UAE investigation aims to examine "any and all possible connection to terrorist intent". Netanyahu stated that Israel expects to participate in the investigation and has been assured by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed that Israel will "join the interrogation". The incident has raised concerns about a potential broader terror plot, with Netanyahu indicating that it is too early to say.
Netanyahu emphasized that there is clear evidence that Iran and its proxies are targeting Israel and Israelis abroad. However, he stated that it is unclear whether the flydubai incident was part of a larger plan. The pilot, Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, was stabbed in the head and suffered severe arm injuries. His wounds were treated by a dentist on the flight, and he was later airlifted to a hospital in Doha for further treatment.
Flydubai has suspended flights to and from Israel while the incident is investigated. Israel is also tightening security checks on pilots flying into the country, including those working for foreign airlines. Netanyahu praised Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayun, who helped subdue the attacker and briefly took control of the aircraft. Hayun, a plumber, credited his actions to watching the TV series Air Crash Investigation.
Hayun's quick thinking and actions helped partially stabilize the aircraft before a reserve crew took control and landed it safely. Netanyahu has been in touch with US President Donald Trump regarding the incident, and Trump has publicly praised Hayun's heroism. The incident has highlighted the complexities of airline security and the potential for individuals to pose a threat.
The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing security concerns in the region. Israel and the UAE are cooperating in the investigation, and Netanyahu has expressed appreciation for the UAE's willingness to work together. The incident has also raised questions about the vetting process for airline pilots and the potential for loopholes to be exploited.
Key points
- The attacker underwent 'Islamist radical indoctrination'
- The incident has raised concerns about a potential broader terror plot
- Israel and the UAE are cooperating in the investigation
