‘Flydubai Incident Being Treated As Terror Attack, Pilot Was Omani’: Israeli Authorities Say Major Disaster Averted

Last Updated:September 30, 2026, 3:25 PM IST

Flydubai Flight FZ1073: The suspected terror hijacker is believed to be of Omani nationality. Israeli authorities say major disaster was averted, according to reports

A screengrab taken from Flightradar24 shows a flydubai flight to Israel which was diverted to Saudi Arabia September 30, 2026. Flightradar24.com/REUTERS

Even as the sequence of events surrounding the landing of flydubai Flight FZ1073 remains unclear, Israeli authorities are treating the incident as a terror attack, based on security assessments and passenger testimony, according to Israel’s channel N12.

The suspected terror hijacker is believed to be of Omani nationality, according to initial investigations, Israeli sources told the Post.

‘MAJOR DISASTER AVERTED’

The aircraft, flydubai Flight FZ1073, was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv with approximately 180 passengers on board, including more than 100 Israeli nationals.

While en route, the plane triggered the international transponder squawk code 7500, indicating hijacking or unlawful interference. This prompted the Israeli Air Force to scramble fighter jets as an emergency security measure.

Early statements from Israeli officials and media initially downplayed the hijacking, attributing the emergency squawk and subsequent diversion to a violent “physical altercation” or brawl between the pilots in the cockpit.

According to updates published by The Jerusalem Post and The Times of Israelsenior Israeli officials now state that a “major disaster was prevented”. There are growing indications that the co-pilot attempted to take control of the aircraft to crash it or launch a major attack.

According to initial investigations reported by Israeli media, the pilot under investigation is believed to be of Omani nationality.

Unconfirmed reports from Channel 12 indicate that a second team of pilots travelling as passengers in civilian clothes stepped in to help subdue the rogue pilot and prevent the takeover.

‘HIJACK ATTEMPT IS CLEAR’

An Israeli official said it remains unclear what the pilot was attempting to do – whether he intended to hijack the plane to Israel, crash it into the ground, or carry out a September 11-style attack. What is clear, the official said, is that he wanted to hijack the aircraft.

The official said authorities are still working to determine the identity of the pilot who carried out the stabbing. They are also investigating a suspicion that the pilot may be Middle Eastern.

PASSENGERS SAFE

The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk airport. flydubai confirmed that all passengers and crew members are safe and accounted for. Because Israel and Saudi Arabia do not maintain formal diplomatic relations, Israeli officials are reportedly coordinating efforts to repatriate the stranded Israeli passengers, potentially sending a civilian or military aircraft to bring them home.

With agency inputs

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What triggered the Israeli Air Force to scramble fighter jets during the flydubai flight?

The aircraft triggered the international transponder squawk code 7500, which indicates hijacking or unlawful interference.

What is the nationality of the pilot suspected of the flydubai attack attempt?

Initial investigations and Israeli sources state that the pilot under investigation is believed to be of Omani nationality.

Where did the flydubai flight ultimately land after the incident?

The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk airport, and flydubai confirmed all passengers and crew members are safe.

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Manjiri Joshi

At the news desk for 20 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing speci…Read More

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