{
  "id": 11371508,
  "title": "UAE tight-lipped on Omani co-pilot’s identity, conspiracy amid flydubai probe",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/uae-tight-lipped-on-omani-co-pilots-identity-conspiracy-amid-flydubai",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-02T06:15:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times - World News",
    "slug": "hindustan-times-world-news",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/uae-tight-lipped-on-omani-co-pilot-s-identity-conspiracy-angle-amid-probe-indian-pilot-smit-machchhar-flydubai-101790921538619.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced a mid-air security breach when the co-pilot allegedly assaulted the captain with a knife and attempted to bring down the aircraft. The captain managed to fend off the co-pilot, allowing passengers to subdue him, and two non-duty pilots on board took control of the plane, executing an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. There were 180 people on board, with no severe injuries reported among passengers, although the captain was stabbed and two crew members received hospital treatment.\n\nThe co-pilot, who was overpowered by passengers, remains detained. According to CBS News, an Omani official confirmed that the assailant was born in Oman and holds Omani citizenship, although Oman has not officially acknowledged this.\n\nIndian officials met with Smit Machchhar, who was airlifted from Saudi Arabia, but were reportedly asked not to inquire about the incident.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Economic Times",
        "title": "Saudi hands over flydubai co-pilot to UAE",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/saudi-hands-over-flydubai-co-pilot-to-uae",
        "published": "2026-10-02T02:00:24.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}