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Co-pilot attacks captain mid-flight; passengers help restrain attacker

A FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced a mid-air crisis when a co-pilot launched a violent assault on the captain. The aircraft was diverted and safely landed in Saudi Arabia with assistance from alert passengers and crew.

LSN India · 4 October 2026

Co-pilot attacks captain mid-flight; passengers help restrain attacker

A FlyDubai flight en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv encountered a serious security incident when the co-pilot suddenly attacked Captain Amit Macchar, according to an eyewitness account from passenger Tali Berkovich-Manes.

The assault occurred during the flight, prompting an emergency response from crew members and passengers. The attacker was subsequently restrained by those on board, preventing further harm to the captain and other occupants of the aircraft.

The pilot-in-command's prompt action and the coordinated response of passengers proved critical in managing the crisis. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, where it made a safe emergency landing.

Passenger Tali Berkovich-Manes, who witnessed the incident firsthand, provided an account of the dramatic events that unfolded at 35,000 feet. The incident highlights the critical role of crew training and passenger awareness in managing in-flight emergencies.

FlyDubai has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident or the circumstances that led to the co-pilot's actions.