Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel will impose a "very heavy price" on any power found to be behind the FlyDubai incident. He made the statement on Friday, October 2, 2026, without providing evidence that any country was responsible. Netanyahu alleged that the attacker underwent Islamist radicalization and intended to crash the plane with all passengers on board.
The incident occurred on a FlyDubai flight bound for Israel from the United Arab Emirates, which was diverted to Saudi Arabia following an emergency signal on October 1, 2026. The aircraft carrying 174 people was forced to make an emergency landing after the co-pilot apparently stabbed the pilot. The exact circumstances of the incident and the motive of the assailant are under investigation in the United Arab Emirates.
Netanyahu met with Yaniv Hayun, a passenger on the flight, at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel on October 1, 2026. He stated that the investigation is ongoing to determine whether the co-pilot assailant was sent by any country. The two men have been transferred to the United Arab Emirates for further investigation. Netanyahu did not identify any country as a potential culprit but has previously pointed fingers at Iran.
US President Donald Trump, who reached a ceasefire with Iran in April, said on Thursday that he was "hearing" that Iran was involved in the incident. He warned that Iran would "be hit very hard" if found to be involved, although he provided no evidence to support the claim. Israel and the US have accused Iran of being behind several attacks worldwide since its founding in 1979.
FlyDubai has stated that a full official investigation into the incident is underway. Chief executive Ghaith Al Ghaith emphasized the importance of allowing the investigation to establish the facts. A senior UAE official praised the captain of the flight, Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, for his heroism in stopping the plane from crashing after being allegedly stabbed by his co-pilot.
Anwar Gargash, a presidential adviser, hailed Machchhar as a "true hero" and expressed appreciation for his courage and responsibility. The incident has been described as a "terrorist act" by UAE officials. Israel and the US have historically accused Iran of supporting terrorist activities worldwide.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with Netanyahu previously suggesting that the pilot was from Oman and leaving open the possibility that he was experiencing mental problems. The incident marks a significant event in the region, with potential implications for international relations.
Key points
- Netanyahu warns of consequences for any country found behind the FlyDubai incident
- US President Donald Trump suggests Iran may be involved in the incident
- The incident is being investigated as a potential terrorist act
