On September 30, 2026, the cockpit of Flydubai flight FZ1073 was the site of an alleged attack. The co-pilot attacked Captain Smith Matcher with a knife, leaving him severely injured. The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Flydubai flight FZ1073 operates on the route between Dubai and Tel Aviv. Captain Smith Matcher is identified as an Indian national serving as the pilot in command.
An Omani flydubai co-pilot had intended to seize a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight and crash it into a terminal at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport on September 30 in a suicide attack before he was thwarted by the captain, the UAE attorney general said on Friday. https://t.co/vIm9Ao1Erf
On October 9, 2026, the National Investigation Agency registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the alleged perpetrator. The FIR cites the Anti-Hijacking Act of 2016 and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) of 1967. Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack and whether it was an attempt to hijack or sabotage the aircraft.
On October 9, 2026, the National Investigation Agency registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the alleged perpetrator.
Flydubai maintains a neutral stance regarding the NIA’s proceedings. The National Investigation Agency maintains a neutral stance.
As of the information provided, the NIA has registered the FIR under the Anti-Hijacking Act and UAPA and continues to examine the motive and possible links to hijacking or sabotage.