Updated

A Flydubai flight (FZ1073) from Dubai to Tel Aviv was violently diverted on October 1, 2026, after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain mid-air, stabbing him and causing the plane to plunge roughly 17,000 feet before it was redirected to Saudi Arabia. Passengers described chaos, with some restraining the attacker in a chokehold and others comforting children as the aircraft nosedived; the wounded Indian captain, identified as Smit Machchhar, was later shown in video describing his injuries. Saudi Arabia and the UAE launched a joint investigation, and the attacking pilot was detained for questioning, with four US citizens reportedly among those aboard. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called the incident a 'terror attack' and compared it to 9/11, saying it was too early to determine Iranian involvement, while Trump said he discussed the incident with Netanyahu. The episode has triggered scrutiny of aviation security loopholes — including reports that Omani pilots, barred from flying into Israel, had previously done so without background checks — and is being used by Netanyahu to bolster his security messaging ahead of Israel's October 27 election. Investigations into the attacker's background, motive, and possible extremist ties continue.