In what is being described as one of the most horrifying incidents that could have ended in an air tragedy, an airliner from Flydubai almost turned into disaster as its Omani co-pilot reportedly attacked the pilot and tried to hijack the plane. The attack took place on September 30 during the flight FZ1073, with more than 170 people on board.

According to reports, the co-pilot reportedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar of Indian origin in the cockpit when the plane was flying over Saudi Arabia. As a result of the attack, the plane suddenly began to descend and lost several thousand feet in a few minutes. Israeli authorities reported that there seemed to be an attempt to crash the plane.

Captain Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing people on board to stop him. While passengers helped to tie down the co-pilot, two other pilots on board, who were not flying on that day, helped regain control over the plane. It was eventually diverted to Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia.

There are now queries raised regarding the past of the co-pilot and the screening process that occurred prior to his recruitment into Flydubai. Sources have claimed that he was suspended in Oman due to worries that he has held extremist views or material. There are now inquiries as to how the co-pilot passed all the tests and was able to become a commercial co-pilot.

Nevertheless, the motive for the supposed hijack attempt is still being probed by investigators. Various officials from other nations such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Oman are conducting investigations into the matter. Some reports even revealed that there is still no definite proof of a network or outside party involvement.

The passengers eventually flew safely to Israel on another plane. This event has brought about more focus on aviation security, especially the danger posed by any threat from within the aircraft cockpit.