The UAE has described an incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 as a “terrorist attack” after Omani co-pilot Hamam Alhammami allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit with a crash axe. The Dubai–Tel Aviv flight was carrying 174 people when the confrontation occurred on September 30. The aircraft reportedly experienced a rapid descent before the captain and other crew members managed to regain control. The injured captain opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to restrain the co-pilot. Two relief pilots subsequently assisted in controlling the aircraft. The flight was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. Authorities are investigating the motive and circumstances. (PC: NDTV)

Flydubai co-pilot Hamam Alhamami, accused of attacking Indian Captain Smit Machchhar during a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, had reportedly been barred from flying in Oman over concerns about extremist views. Reports say Alhamami was training with Oman Air in 2024 when authorities allegedly found extremist material and removed him from flying duties, although he continued in an administrative role. He later joined Flydubai and operated the route involved in the September 30 incident. The aircraft suffered a rapid descent before the crew regained control and diverted to Saudi Arabia. Investigations are examining the incident, his background and security-vetting procedures. 

A car drove into a crowd of Newcastle Knights rugby fans in Wallsend, Newcastle, north of Sydney, on Saturday morning, injuring 10 people, including several children. The supporters had gathered along Newcastle Link Road to farewell the team before its NRL grand final against the Canberra Raiders in Sydney on Sunday. A five-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man were critically injured, while eight others were reported stable in hospital. Police arrested the 18-year-old driver and launched an investigation. Initial police inquiries indicated the incident was not believed to be terrorism-related. Emergency crews, including ambulances and helicopters, responded. (PC: HT)

Saudi broadcaster Al Arabiya, citing sources, has identified the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian Captain Smit Machchhar aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 as Hamam al-Hammami. The September 30 flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain, causing the aircraft to make two sharp descents over Saudi Arabia. Machchhar, despite being injured, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and two off-duty pilots to restrain the co-pilot and help control the aircraft. The plane eventually made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Investigators are examining the suspect’s background, alleged radicalisation and the incident’s motive. 

Global oil prices remained close to $100 a barrel after the G7 agreed to release up to 100 million barrels of crude oil and fuel from emergency reserves over four months. The coordinated move, to be managed through the International Energy Agency (IEA), aims to ease fuel shortages and stabilize energy markets. A substantial portion of diesel is expected to be released within the first 20 days as diesel prices remain elevated. Brent crude settled at about $102.25 per barrel, while U.S. WTI ended at $91.11. Supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions continue to influence prices. 

An Israeli official has claimed that the Omani co-pilot accused of stabbing Indian Captain Smit Machchhar aboard a Flydubai flight had posted online about killing Jews and appeared to have been radicalised. The Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight plunged sharply after the cockpit attack before passengers and crew restrained the co-pilot and the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Israeli officials are investigating whether the incident involved an attempted crash or terrorism, while the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Israel are cooperating. The co-pilot has been transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE as investigations continue, and his exact motive has not yet been established. (PC: India Today)

The UAE has not disclosed the identity of the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking Indian Captain Smit Machchhar during flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft reportedly plunged nearly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds before passengers helped overpower the co-pilot and the plane diverted safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities later handed the co-pilot to the UAE. Investigators are examining his motive, the weapon used, possible prior planning, assistance from others and potential links to terrorist activity. Machchhar, who was airlifted to Abu Dhabi, is reportedly recovering well. (PC: HT)

The United States is deploying a third aircraft carrier strike group and about 9,000 additional sailors and Marines to the Middle East as tensions with Iran remain high. The deployment includes the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group and the USS Makin Island amphibious readiness group. If the deployment proceeds as planned, three US aircraft carriers could be operating in the region by the end of October, alongside more than 20,000 US sailors and Marines and hundreds of aircraft. The move comes as President Donald Trump has warned that further strikes against Iran remain possible amid continuing conflict and stalled diplomacy. (PC: AP)

BMW is planning to eliminate around 8,000 jobs in Germany as part of a restructuring programme aimed at reducing costs and improving competitiveness. The German luxury automaker is facing weak demand, particularly in China, increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers and the impact of US tariffs. BMW plans to reduce its divisions and associated management roles by 20% by mid-2027, while expanding the use of artificial intelligence across development, purchasing, production, sales and aftersales. The company is also revising its vehicle strategy, including plans for a new entry-level electric vehicle in Europe. (PC: Reuters)

British counter-terrorism police arrested a 27-year-old dual UK-Iranian national in London as part of an investigation into a security incident near RAF Fairford, a military air base in western England used by the US for operations against Iran. A second British man, aged 26, was also questioned under caution, while detectives searched two properties. The arrest follows the detention of five British men in their 20s near the Gloucestershire base on Sunday over suspected terrorism and explosives-related offences. They were later released without charge on police bail. Investigators are examining whether a foreign state was involved, while British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the incident could have an Iranian link. The investigation remains ongoing. (PC: Reuters)