Who landed the flydubai flight at Tabuk Airport? Inside the dramatic rescue that saved 174 lives

A flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv in Israel on Wednesday made an emergency landing at the Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia after one of the co-pilots stabbed the other, intending to crash the plane.

A flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft prepares for landing at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport in Lod on September 30, 2026. (Representational) (AFP)Wednesday's journey for FZ1073 - one of the 10 daily flights operated by flydubai between Dubai and Tel Aviv- turned dramatic after the co-pilot stabbed Captain Smit Machchar mid-air while the cockpit was closed. Machchar, an Indian national, opened the cockpit door before collapsing on the floor, unconscious.

What followed was a dramatic confrontation and rescue that eventually ended with the aircraft landing at the Tabuk Airport. One of the passengers, identified as Yaniv Hayoun, opened the door and entered the cockpit. Other passengers also stepped in and helped overpower the attacking co-pilot. Hayoun also briefly took control of the aircraft.

Machchar was the only one injured, and the 174 passengers and the crew on board were uninjured at landing. If one cog in the chain of events had been different, a major catastrophe could have followed.

Questions remain around what happened after passenger Yaniv Hayoun briefly took control of the aircraft and subdued the attacking co-pilot. The plane was cruising at an altitude of 34,000 feet and, over the course of the confrontation, dropped to around 16,000 feet rapidly, sparking panic among the passengers.

Videos from inside the plane showed lights dimmed as passengers scrambled in their seats.

How was the flight was rescued from 16,000 feet, diverted to Tabuk Airport, and landed safely in Saudi Arabia, has caused some confusion. A flydubai spokesperson said that two “on duty” flydubai crew members on board the aircraft carried out the landing.

The spokesperson said that the Boeing 747 MAX was “successfully secured by on-duty Flydubai crew travelling on the flight, who diverted and landed the aircraft safely at Tabuk Airport.” Almog Itali, one of the passengers, said that they were “relief pilots” who were meant to operate a subsequent flight. But CNN reported that it is "highly unusual" for backup pilots, that too two of them, to travel on-duty on a plane

CNN's aviation safety analyst David Soucie said that it happens only if "they are being repositioned." Even in that case, the pilots are off-duty. However, Alan Diehl, another American aviation safety expert, told CNN that it is “relatively common for one or more regular passengers aboard an airliner to have pilot training.”

Of the 174 passengers on the plane, 170 were Israelis. Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Indian pilot Smith Machchar in a post on X, hailing him as a "true hero". Machchar and the co-pilot who attacked him are currently undergoing treatment in Tabuk.

Israeli officials have said that the attacking co-pilot was an Omani national and characterised the attack as "terrorism."

A fludubai spokesperson said that their flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv will stay suspended till relevant authorities conclude the investigation into the incident. Reports say that the suspension will be for six days.

"We are fully committed to supporting the ongoing investigation and maintaining the highest safety standards across our network," the spokesperson said. "We remain in close coordination with government authorities, regulators and airport stakeholders and will review the suspension as more information becomes available.

"We apologise to passengers whose travel plans have been affected and are working to provide support and alternative arrangements where possible."

Shamik is a journalist covering the United States for Hindustan Times. He has more than four years of experience reporting on US politics, sports, and major breaking stories across fast-moving cycles. He previously worked at Times Now and Sportskeeda, building strong newsroom instincts and digital storytelling skills. At HT.com, he focuses on day-to-day coverage of US political developments while also handling high-impact stories that demand speed, accuracy, clarity, and context under pressure. Shamik has extensive experience covering NFL game days over the past two years, coordinating live updates, analysis, and explainers. He is particularly drawn to large news moments such as US elections and the Super Bowl, where he thrives at the news desk working alongside the team. He holds degrees in Media Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia and English Literature from Jadavpur University. Before entering journalism, he briefly worked in digital marketing and political consultancy roles. Currently a Senior Content Producer at HT Digital, he is driven by curiosity, discipline, and a constant desire to explore new and obscure topics. Outside work, he enjoys reading, films, sports, and learning continuously.Read More