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Co-pilot attacks captain with knife aboard Dubai-Tel Aviv flight

A co-pilot on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv attempted to crash the aircraft by attacking the captain with a knife. Passengers and crew members subdued the attacker, preventing a potential disaster.

LSN India · 3 October 2026

Co-pilot attacks captain with knife aboard Dubai-Tel Aviv flight

The incident occurred aboard flydubai flight FZ1073, which was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot launched an unprovoked attack on the captain using a knife. The co-pilot's identity has since emerged, with reports indicating the individual had previously faced restrictions in Oman.

Crewmembers and passengers aboard the aircraft responded swiftly to the threat, overpowering the assailant and preventing him from reaching the cockpit controls. Their collective action averted what could have resulted in a catastrophic aviation disaster affecting all those onboard.

Flydubai, the low-cost carrier operated by the government of Dubai, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident. Authorities in both the UAE and Israel are expected to conduct investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack and the co-pilot's background, which reportedly included a ban in Oman.

The incident has raised questions about pre-flight screening procedures and mental health assessments for aviation personnel. Safety protocols aboard commercial aircraft include mechanisms to secure the flight deck and procedures for crew coordination during emergencies.