How was the Flydubai pilot who attacked his co-pilot cleared to fly?

What the report says

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a violent confrontation between the two pilots, according to Al Jazeera’s report published Oct. 1, 2026. Israeli officials said the captain, identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar, was injured but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and help secure the aircraft. The plane landed safely, and both pilots were treated in Saudi Arabia.

The incident has prompted investigations in the United Arab Emirates and scrutiny over how the co-pilot was cleared to fly. Al Jazeera reported that Flydubai operates under oversight from the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, and that standard requirements for commercial pilots include a valid licence, aircraft type rating, Class 1 medical certification, English proficiency and required flight experience. Aviation experts quoted in the report said vetting is usually extensive, but it is still only a moment-in-time assessment and may not reveal later behavioral problems.

There is still limited verified information about the co-pilot, including his citizenship, qualifications and possible motive. UAE authorities said their inquiry will examine the circumstances, details and any possible link to terrorism or prior planning. Israeli officials separately said they plan to tighten security checks on pilots flying into the country. The episode has drawn attention to both cockpit security and the limits of pre-flight screening in commercial aviation.