{
  "id": 11464642,
  "title": "Israel to question co-pilot of flydubai flight",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/israel-to-question-co-pilot-of-flydubai-flight",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-02T14:36:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/israeli-officials-to-question-co-pilot-of-flydubai-flight-source-says/articleshow/134641975.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Israeli officials are set to question the co-pilot of a flydubai flight that narrowly avoided a crash mid-flight, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation. The incident occurred on Wednesday when the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain, attempting to crash the plane carrying 174 passengers and crew. Passengers and crew members subdued the co-pilot, and a reserve pilot landed the plane safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia. The co-pilot was subsequently transferred to the UAE, where Israeli authorities are expected to question him. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that they are investigating whether the co-pilot acted under direction, warning that the perpetrator would face severe consequences. The motive for the co-pilot's actions has not been established yet, although Netanyahu mentioned that the co-pilot had undergone radical Islamist indoctrination and appeared suicidal. The captain, Indian national Smit Machchhar, was hailed as a hero for his quick actions. The incident has heightened security concerns in Israel, particularly ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election, which took place on October 27, 2023.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Jerusalem Post",
        "title": "UAE source criticizes Israel's use of 'rescue flights' after flydubai incident",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/uae-source-criticizes-israels-use-of-rescue-flights-after-flydubai",
        "published": "2026-10-02T15:36:53.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Guardian Business",
        "title": "Aviation security back in spotlight after nightmare on flydubai flight to Israel",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/aviation-security-back-in-spotlight-after-nightmare-on-flydubai",
        "published": "2026-10-02T15:40:05.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}