Brief
Omani co‑pilot on Flydubai flight held only Omani passport, no dual citizenship
DNA India reports the suspect pilot possessed only Omani citizenship, ending speculation about a second passport.
By Felo News Desk · Published
DNA India reported that the Omani co‑pilot suspected of attacking the captain on Flydubai flight FZ1073 held only an Omani passport and did not have dual citizenship.
What happened
The incident occurred on September 30, 2026, when the co‑pilot allegedly stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar on a Dubai‑to‑Tel Aviv flight. The aircraft diverted safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and all passengers and crew were accounted for.
What the reports add
DNA India cited a report that the co‑pilot’s documentation showed a single Omani nationality, countering earlier speculation that a second passport might have justified his assignment to an Israel‑bound route. The outlet also noted that Israel’s transportation ministry had previously said Flydubai pilots must be citizens of nations with diplomatic ties to Israel, a requirement the Omani pilot did not meet.
What was said
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking to Fox News, said the pilot had undergone "Islamist radicalisation" and described him as suicidal, adding that the conclusion was based on "personal information" found during the investigation.
How it came about
Earlier Felo News coverage documented the cockpit clash that forced the diversion, the identity of the Omani co‑pilot, and speculation about his motives. This new detail about his lack of dual citizenship follows those reports and addresses questions about pilot vetting for the Dubai‑Tel Aviv route.
Key facts
- The Omani co‑pilot held only an Omani passport and no second nationality. (dnaindia.com)
- The co‑pilot allegedly stabbed Captain Smit Machchhar on Flydubai flight FZ1073 on 30 Sept 2026. (dnaindia.com)
- The aircraft diverted safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, with all passengers and crew accounted for. (dnaindia.com)
Sources
- [1] dnaindia.com — originally reported as “Omani Co-Pilot who tried to crash Flydubai flight had only Oman passport, no dual citizenship: Report”
