A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a co-pilot stabbed the captain, leaving 174 passengers in peril. Passengers, including a plumber and a dentist, overpowered the attacker, preventing a potential crash. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the crew and civilians for their bravery.
The incident began when a fellow pilot – reportedly an Omani national – stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian citizen from Mumbai, during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The attack sent the plane into a sharp 14,000-foot dive, prompting passengers to rush to the cockpit. Despite being gravely injured, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing others to subdue the attacker. The plane eventually landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on September 30, 2026, according to reports.
The Heroic Intervention
Among those who acted was Yaniv Hayoun, an Israeli plumber and native of Israel, who had watched aviation documentaries. I jumped back, grabbed the controls, and started pulling back the handles,
Hayoun told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing his TV-inspired knowledge of aircraft techniques. Dr. Shota Musaev, a dentist on board, described the chaos: He was covered in cuts… he had lost a lot of blood and was in bad shape. Musaev and others tied the attacker with headphone cords and plastic zipties, while an off-duty British pilot helped stabilize the plane’s descent.
Aviation experts were stunned the plane did not crash after the extreme drop, which ripped off most of the rudder. That was a serious descent… I’m just amazed the aircraft didn’t come apart, noted Steve Arroyo, a former United Airlines pilot and aviation safety expert. The Indian officials say he is in a stable condition, with Modi calling him a “hero” for showing immense courage. Netanyahu highlighted the pilot’s unwavering resolve to protect the lives of others.
A ‘hero’ pilot, plumber and dentist among those who
Aftermath and Investigation
Israel is treating the incident as a terrorist attack
, though the motive remains unclear. The co-pilot, identified as an Omani national, was arrested in Saudi Arabia. President Donald Trump, in a call with Netanyahu, suggested the attacker was perhaps a terrorist or perhaps a whack job.
The U.S. State Department confirmed four American citizens were among the passengers, while Israel’s foreign ministry noted travelers from India, the UAE, and Israel were on board.
Passenger Almog Itali described the moment the plane plummeted: It was like massive turbulence… for 20 or 30 seconds.
The incident has raised questions about cockpit security, with aviation analysts pointing to the critical role of passengers in averting disaster. Philip Kean, CEO of Mainland Air in New Zealand—where Machchhar trained for 18 months in 2008 and 2009—commended his leadership following the mid-air attack.
A Nation’s Response
Netanyahu’s office shared video of Hayoun, bloodied but smiling, embracing the prime minister. Yoniv, you’re a true hero. We’re a nation of lions!
Netanyahu posted on X. Indian media highlighted Modi’s tribute, emphasizing Machchhar’s extraordinary bravery. The incident has been widely praised for ordinary citizens' courage under pressure, with the pilot's actions saving 174 lives.
Passengers who experienced the emergency landing in Saudi Arabia arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport, near Tel Aviv, on September 30, 2026. Israeli emergency services treated three passengers with minor injuries. A video shared by Netanyahu’s office showed Hayoun, wearing a bloodied shirt, hugging the prime minister. I look at you and I see a lion. I see a great hero,
Netanyahu said, according to the clip.
Pilot stabs fellow pilot on flight to Israel before
Passenger Naama Bershadski recalled thinking, We’re going to die,
as she closed her eyes and prayed during the descent. The incident has sparked debate over cockpit security protocols, with aviation experts questioning how the co-pilot gained access to the cockpit. The attack also led Israel to scramble warplanes amid concerns about a possible hijacking, according to reports.
The co-pilot’s motive remains unconfirmed, but the actions of the passengers and crew have been widely celebrated. Modi stated, His valour helped save hundreds of lives and avert a great tragedy.
The event underscores the unpredictable nature of air travel and the critical role of quick thinking. The Machchhar is being treated in a hospital in Saudi Arabia’s north-western city of Tabuk, where the plane landed safely, with stable condition reports.
Additional details emerged from the incident, including the co-pilot’s identity as an Omani national and the involvement of an off-duty British pilot. The plane’s emergency landing in Saudi Arabia was followed by the arrival of passengers at Ben Gurion Airport, where they were welcomed by onlookers. The attack has been linked to broader concerns about aviation security, with Netanyahu emphasizing the need for vigilance.
The incident also drew attention to Machchhar’s background, with reports noting his training in New Zealand. Philip Kean of Mainland Air praised his leadership, stating, His actions were critical in preventing a disaster. Meanwhile, the co-pilot’s arrest in Saudi Arabia marked the end of the immediate crisis, though investigations into the motive and potential ties to terrorism continue.
Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, reiterated their gratitude to the passengers and crew. We’re a nation of lions,
Netanyahu said, reflecting the collective admiration for those who acted during the crisis. The incident has been widely covered in media, with the pilot’s old podcast resurfacing as a point of interest, highlighting his prior public statements on aviation safety.
As investigations continue, the event highlights the unpredictable nature of air travel and the critical role of quick thinking. The co-pilot’s motive remains unconfirmed, but the actions of the passengers and crew have been widely celebrated. Modi’s tribute and Netanyahu’s praise reflect the global recognition of the bravery displayed during the incident.