Omani Co-Pilot Who Stabbed Indian Captain Talked About Killing Jews in His Posts

The Omani co-pilot who stabbed Indian captain talked about killing Jews in his posts, according to an Israeli official cited by The Times of Israel. The official said the co-pilot's social media activity indicated that he had been radicalised into a jihadist ideology and had discussed killing Jews online.

The co-pilot allegedly stabbed Indian pilot Capt Smit Machchhar and attempted to seize control of Flydubai flight FZ1073 while it was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. The aircraft later landed safely in Saudi Arabia after passengers and crew subdued the attacker.

Investigation examines possible motive

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said preliminary findings suggested the attacker had undergone what he described as Islamist radical indoctrination. However, Israeli officials stressed that the motive had not been conclusively established and that the investigation remained ongoing.

The aircraft reportedly plunged more than 17,000 feet, or around 5,200 metres, approximately two hours into the flight. Netanyahu said investigators were examining whether the attacker intended to bring down the aircraft.

The Israeli official also claimed the co-pilot had asked Emirati crew members to kill him after being restrained. According to the official, this raised questions about whether the incident was intended as a suicide attack.

Investigators are also examining material reportedly found among the co-pilot's belongings, including publications linked to pro-Palestinian groups. An Emirati source cited by iNews24 said he had expressed support for Palestinians and hostility towards Israel.

UAE and Saudi Arabia investigate

UAE authorities have launched an investigation into whether the incident was connected to terrorist activity. Saudi authorities, where the aircraft made its emergency landing, said the pilot and co-pilot were transferred back to the UAE after receiving medical clearance.

The possible involvement of Iran is also being examined. US President Donald Trump has suggested Iran could have been linked to the incident, while Netanyahu said it was too early to determine whether Tehran was involved.

Indian Captain Smit Machchhar has been praised as a hero by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Netanyahu. India's mission in the UAE said Machchhar was recovering well after receiving medical treatment.