India
oi-Prakash KL
Was there a Pakistan connection to the Flydubai cockpit attack? That question has begun circulating on social media after former MP Priyanka Chaturvedi questioned whether the co-pilot accused of attacking Indian Captain Smit Machchhar had received training in Pakistan.
There is, however, no confirmed evidence so far linking the accused co-pilot to Pakistan. His identity, background and motive remain under investigation.
On Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, an Omani co-pilot attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, leading to an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia; speculation about links to Pakistan remains unconfirmed amidst ongoing investigations.
The speculation began after Chaturvedi posted on X, asking whether the co-pilot had been trained in Pakistan “to carry out this mission”. She also alleged that Pakistan had a history of preparing people for terror activities.
Her post triggered a sharp exchange with Pakistani author Bina Shah, who criticised the suggestion and asked Chaturvedi to “shut up”.
Chaturvedi hit back, saying Pakistan should instead focus on shutting down what she described as terror training camps. Shah later challenged the narrative, arguing that the suggestion of a Pakistan-trained attacker could make the Flydubai incident appear part of a wider conspiracy involving Israel, India and the UAE.
The exchange has added a political and geopolitical angle to an incident that otherwise remains under investigation.
Difficult ask Ma’m, considering Pakistan has its hands in most terror activities globally. Maybe instead of asking me to shut up, try saying oh Shut Down the terror training camps to the Pak Army, will help heal the world. Happy to help but no, won’t shut up. https://t.co/mP1exyinBx
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) September 30, 2026
What Happened On Flydubai Flight FZ1073?
The incident took place aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people on board.
According to accounts emerging after the incident, the Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit. The situation became critical after the aircraft entered a steep descent, the AFP reported.
FLIGHT TERROR
✈️ Passengers overcame co-pilot who tried to crash flydubai flight, Netanyahu says
Sep 30, 2026
On September 30, 2026, #FlyDubai Flight FZ1073 from #Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after a suspected #jihadist terror attack in the cockpit. The… pic.twitter.com/qMLj7QaptN
— Sid (@Trending_Sid) September 30, 2026
Israeli passengers said the injured Indian captain eventually managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and confront the co-pilot. The aircraft was then stabilised before making an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Flight-tracking data showed the Boeing 737 MAX 8 descending from around 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet in roughly a minute. The aircraft later landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
A person who heard the aircraft’s communication with air traffic control said the pilot issued a mayday call and reported that a hijacking was taking place, with passengers heard screaming in the background.
What Do Authorities Say About The Co-Pilot?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attacker was an Omani national and had been arrested. He told CNN that the suspect was being questioned in Saudi Arabia.
US President Donald Trump also discussed the incident with Netanyahu and said the attacker could have been a terrorist, while also leaving open other possibilities, the CNN reported. Saudi and UAE authorities have so far provided limited public information, saying investigations were underway.
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said Captain Smit Machchhar was in stable condition. His actions during the emergency have drawn widespread praise after the aircraft was brought safely to the ground.
The condition of the arrested co-pilot has not been publicly clarified. At present, there is no publicly confirmed evidence establishing such a connection. The claim emerged from social-media speculation following Chaturvedi’s post and the subsequent exchange with Shah.
According to reports in the Israeli media, the co-pilot has been working in the Dubai-based airline for about 9 months as the first officer. Some reports claim that he followed strict religious practices
“He prayed excessively throughout the day and refused to shake hands with women,” Channel 16 quoted a pilot as saying.
Investigators are yet to publicly establish the co-pilot’s motive, background or whether anyone else was involved.
Meanwhile, Flydubai has suspended its flights to and from Israel while the investigation continues. The incident comes amid heightened security concerns surrounding Israel, particularly with the anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack approaching.
Can Omani Citizen Pilot Fly to Israel?
Under standard aviation agreements and security rules, pilots from countries that do not have diplomatic relations with Israel, such as Oman are generally not allowed to fly commercial aircraft into Israeli airspace or land at its airports.
This stipulation is also in flydubai’s agreement with Israel, Jerusalem Post reported. The Emirates sister airline only flies to Tel Aviv.
Hence, the Israeli authorities are investigating whether the suspect has dual citizen ship or has any links with Oman.
With inputs from agencies.
