Passengers and crew aboard FlyDubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv successfully thwarted an apparent attempt by a co-pilot to crash the plane. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reported that the co-pilot stabbed the pilot during the flight, but the injured pilot, Indian national Smit Machchhar, fought back, opening the cockpit door and allowing others to overpower the attacker. Netanyahu lauded Machchhar's bravery, emphasizing that his actions prevented a catastrophic mid-air disaster, potentially saving all 174 lives on board.

After the violent altercation, the plane was diverted to Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia. FlyDubai acknowledged an “altercation” on the flight deck but did not specify the stabbing, noting that the reasons behind the incident remain unclear and urging against speculation. Machchhar was hospitalized and is reported to be in stable condition, while the attacker has been detained and is under investigation by Saudi authorities.

The passenger who entered the cockpit to subdue the attacker was named Yaniv Hayun by Netanyahu, who praised him as a hero deserving of a global medal of honor. Flight tracking data revealed extreme altitude fluctuations during the event, including a drastic drop from over 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds, and highly unusual vertical speeds, indicating the severity of the in-flight struggle.

FlyDubai arranged for a second plane to retrieve passengers remaining in Saudi Arabia to complete their journey to Israel. The incident drew significant international attention due to the seriousness of the assault and the danger it posed to all aboard, highlighting the quick response and courage of the crew and passengers in a potential aviation catastrophe.