US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would face a severe response if it is found to have been involved in an attack on a Flydubai flight bound for Israel, as investigators examine why the aircraft’s co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to take control of the plane.
The incident occurred on Wednesday aboard Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with more than 170 people on board, most of them Israeli passengers. The Boeing 737-8 MAX was forced to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the cockpit confrontation sent the aircraft into a steep descent.
Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft lost about 17,000 feet of altitude in roughly two minutes. Passengers and crew members eventually entered the cockpit and helped subdue the co-pilot, allowing the aircraft to be stabilised and landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
Trump was asked at the White House whether Iran was connected to the incident. He said US authorities were investigating and indicated that he believed there could be a link, although he provided no evidence to support the claim.
“If Iran is responsible,” Trump said, “they’ll be hit very hard.” The comments came as tensions remained high in the region and the United States continued to strengthen its military presence in the Middle East.
The United Arab Emirates has opened an investigation into the incident, including whether it was connected to terrorism. Saudi Arabia said the Omani co-pilot was transferred to the UAE with an Emirati security team after the aircraft landed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the suspect had undergone what he described as “Islamist radical indoctrination” and said the attacker had apparently been suicidal. However, authorities have not publicly established a motive, and investigators are examining several possibilities.
Netanyahu also praised Indian captain Smit Machchhar, who was injured during the confrontation. According to accounts from officials and passengers, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door despite his injuries, enabling passengers and other crew members to intervene.
Passenger Miryam Shira Ohayon said the aircraft appeared to be out of control during the incident and that several passengers helped restrain the co-pilot.
The Indian government said Machchhar was recovering in Abu Dhabi, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his actions. Israeli President Isaac Herzog also said he would honour five Israeli passengers who helped overpower the co-pilot.
Flydubai said the aircraft was secured by crew members travelling on the flight and landed safely in Saudi Arabia. The airline has suspended flights between Dubai and Israel while the investigation continues. It has urged against speculation about the motive until authorities complete their inquiries.
Investigators from the UAE, Israel and Saudi Arabia are examining the incident, while the question of whether there was any connection to Iran remains unresolved. No evidence establishing Iranian involvement has been publicly presented.
