Congressman Randy Fine (R-Fla.) called on officials to hold the attacker in the Israel-bound FlyDubai hijacking incident accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
“Another Islamist terrorist just tried to hijack a plane to kill over 170 innocent people heading to Israel," Rep. Fine wrote on X. “Thank G-d he was stopped.”
The FlyDubai Incident
On Sept. 30, 2026, a copilot stabbed his captain and attempted to crash an Israel-bound FlyDubai aircraft from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The plane reportedly lost altitude – dropping from 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet in roughly a minute.
Passengers aboard the flight thwarted the hijacker’s attempt after the wounded pilot, Capt. Smit Machchhar, opened the cockpit door so that others could deter the attacker and take control of the aircraft.
Other crew members took control of the plane and landed safely in the city of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Details on The Hijacker
In an interview with FOX News’ Sean Hannity, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disclosed information on the co-pilot while addressing questions about the attacker’s ability to orchestrate the attack.
According to Netanyahu, the co-pilot might have struck Machchhar with a crash ax in the cockpit. Airlines are required to carry axes in the cockpit for use in an emergency to break open a window or break open a panel.
Netanyahu also said the attacker had undergone radical Islamist indoctrination, a claim later corroborated by an Israeli intelligence officials.
The initial investigation also revealed that the co-pilot is an Omani national, a revelation that appears to be a security concern for Israel.
According to security protocols between the UAE and Israel, crew members from countries that don’t have diplomatic ties with Israel can not serve on flights to the country.
"May this monster be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. We will not let evil win," Congressman Fine said.
