Is Iran behind Flydubai hijack attempt? What we know about the Omani pilot's motive

A major incident was averted on Wednesday when a pilot on a Flydubai flight to Tel Aviv was stabbed by his co-pilot, triggering a rapid descent and an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Passengers and crew members intervened and restrained the accused pilot, while other pilots on board helped land the aircraft safely. Israeli officials have described the incident as an apparent attempt to crash the plane and kill those on board. The incident has nevertheless raised questions about a possible Iran connection, given the heightened tensions between Israel and Iran and concerns over potential attacks against Israelis. Here's what we know so far.

What happened aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073?

The incident occurred on September 30, when Flydubai Flight FZ1073 departed Dubai International Airport for Tel Aviv at around 03:05 GMT with about 180 people on board. According to flight-tracking data, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 was cruising at around 34,000 feet when it began a sharp descent. Flightradar24 data showed the aircraft losing more than 14,000 feet in a short period before climbing again.

At around 05:28 GMT, the aircraft transmitted squawk code 7700, the internationally recognised signal for a general emergency. Minutes later, the crew changed the code to 7500, which indicates unlawful interference and is commonly associated with a suspected hijacking.


It later emerged that an altercation had taken place in the cockpit and that the co-pilot had allegedly stabbed the captain. The pilot in command, Indian national Captain Smit Machchhar, was injured in the attack. Reports said he managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and restrain the attacker. Other pilots on board subsequently helped operate the aircraft.

The accused co-pilot has been identified by Israeli officials as an Omani national. His identity, background and motive remain part of the investigation. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Both pilots were taken to hospital. The passengers were later flown to Tel Aviv on an alternative flight arranged by the airline.

Is Iran behind the Flydubai incident?

There is currently no confirmed evidence that Iran was behind the incident.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier said the co-pilot stabbed the captain and apparently tried to crash the aircraft. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the incident as an attempted terror attack, while Netanyahu praised the passengers and crew members who intervened.

Netanyahu, however, claimed that there are concerns that Iran and groups it supports could seek to target Israelis abroad, particularly as Israel approaches its October 27 election. “We have clear evidence of that (the alleged plan). But I think that whether or not this was carried out as part of that plan, that we don’t know yet,” he said.

Why has the Iran angle emerged?

The speculation comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Israel and Iran and concerns in Israel about possible attacks against Israelis overseas. The Flydubai incident also occurred shortly before the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attacks, while Israel is preparing for its October 27 election.

However, the timing alone does not establish a connection between the incident and Iran or any Iranian-backed group. The investigation in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and potentially Israel is expected to focus on the accused pilot's background, motive and actions inside the cockpit.