The co-pilot accused of attacking Captain Smit Machchhar on flydubai flight FZ1073 has been described in major news reports as an Omani national, but his name and motive have not been officially made public. That distinction matters as unverified names, photographs and claims spread online.
The short answer is that the public does not yet have a verified personal profile of the co-pilot. Flydubai has said the reasons behind the incident remain unknown and are subject to a formal investigation. Reports that label the event terrorism describe an allegation or a theory under investigation, not a concluded finding.
What is known about the flydubai co-pilot?
- Reported nationality: Omani
- Name: Not officially released
- Role: Co-pilot on flydubai flight FZ1073
- Flight route: Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Status: Reported to be in Saudi custody after the emergency landing
- Motive: Unknown and under investigation
The Washington Post reported the nationality citing an Israeli security official who spoke anonymously. The Associated Press and several other outlets also described the suspect as Omani, while noting that his identity remained unknown. Flydubai's public response did not name him.
That means a social-media account, photograph or biography cannot be treated as authentic merely because it is being shared with the story. Until the airline or investigating authorities identify the person, publishing a name would risk misidentifying someone.
What is the co-pilot accused of doing?
Israeli officials and passenger accounts allege that the co-pilot stabbed Machchhar in the cockpit and attempted to take control of the Boeing 737 MAX 8. Flight-tracking data reviewed by Reuters showed the aircraft descending rapidly from its cruising altitude before it stabilised.
Machchhar, despite being seriously injured, reportedly released the cockpit door. Passengers and crew then entered, subdued the alleged attacker and assisted the injured captain. A reserve flydubai crew travelling on the aircraft took control and landed at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, according to the airline.
For the full route, descent and official timeline, read our separate flydubai FZ1073 incident report.
Was the Omani co-pilot arrested?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot was arrested in Saudi Arabia and was being questioned. AP reported that Israel was participating in the investigation. Saudi and UAE authorities had released few public details when this article was published.
The difference between an arrest and a conviction is important. The allegations are extremely serious, but responsibility and motive will ultimately depend on evidence gathered by the relevant aviation, security and judicial authorities.
Was it a terror attack?
That has not been established publicly. Israeli officials have described the incident as a suspected attempt to crash the aircraft, and US President Donald Trump publicly speculated that the attacker may have been a terrorist. Those statements do not by themselves prove a motive.
Flydubai urged against premature speculation, saying the underlying reasons remained unknown. Investigators may examine ideology, mental health, personal conflict, security procedures and other possibilities. No single explanation should be presented as fact before authorities release evidence.
Did the co-pilot's nationality raise a route question?
Oman does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. The Washington Post reported that only pilots from countries maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel are usually allowed to land there, which prompted questions about how the crew assignment was made.
However, no regulator or airline statement reviewed for this article said that the co-pilot's nationality itself explained the incident. Nationality is not evidence of motive, and claims about flydubai's internal rostering rules require confirmation from the airline or aviation authorities.
What remains unconfirmed?
The co-pilot's name, age, career history, exact medical condition and alleged motive remain unverified in public official information. Claims that he had a specific political or religious affiliation are also unconfirmed. We will update this page if flydubai, Saudi authorities, the UAE or Oman releases attributable information.
Captain Machchhar is an Indian pilot from Mumbai with nearly 9,750 reported flying hours. His background, education and airline career are covered separately in our Smit Machchhar pilot profile.
This report was checked against Reuters' passenger and flight account, the Associated Press investigation update and the Washington Post report on the co-pilot's reported nationality. The thumbnail is an archival flydubai image from an official airline video and does not claim to show FZ1073 or the accused co-pilot.
Frequently asked questions
What is the name of the Omani flydubai co-pilot?
His name has not been officially released. Names circulating without confirmation should not be treated as reliable.
What nationality is the flydubai co-pilot?
Major reports describe him as an Omani national, initially citing Israeli officials. Flydubai has not publicly named him.
Why did the co-pilot allegedly attack the captain?
The motive remains unknown. Terrorism and other explanations are being discussed, but no motive has been established publicly.
Where is the co-pilot now?
He was reported to have been arrested in Saudi Arabia after the aircraft landed in Tabuk. Authorities have not released a detailed public custody update.
