A routine morning flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv turned into one of the most serious in-flight incidents in recent memory on September 30, when flydubai flight FZ1073 diverted to Saudi Arabia after an altercation broke out between the two pilots in the cockpit. The aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, landed safely at Tabuk, but the fallout is still unfolding: Israel has suspended flydubai flights for six days while investigations proceed.
Here is what is confirmed so far, what is being claimed but not verified, and what it means if you are booked on the route.
What Happened Aboard Flight FZ1073 on September 30
Flight FZ1073 departed Dubai International Airport for Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv on the morning of September 30, 2026. Mid-flight, an altercation broke out in the flight deck between the captain and the first officer — a fact flydubai has publicly confirmed.
Flight-tracking data paints a dramatic picture. According to Flightradar24, the aircraft lost roughly 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds, dropping from about 30,875 feet to 16,750 feet. During the incident, the transponder codes changed in quick succession: squawk 7700 (general emergency), then 7500 (unlawful interference), then back to 7700, as flight-tracking reports documented.
On-duty flydubai crew travelling as passengers on the flight helped secure the aircraft and divert it to Tabuk, where it landed safely at around 9:45am. Both pilots were taken to hospital with injuries, and all passengers were accounted for.
Claims That Are Still Unverified
Some of the most alarming details about the incident come from Israeli officials and have not been independently confirmed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to bring the plane down, and Israeli media have reported claims about the pilots’ nationalities.
These are assertions, not confirmed facts: neither flydubai nor the Saudi authorities have confirmed them, and the airline stresses the motive behind the altercation is unknown and under formal investigation.
The flight deck of a Boeing 737. Flydubai has confirmed an altercation took place in the cockpit; the motive remains under investigation.
Israel Suspends flydubai Flights for Six Days
Following the incident, Israel suspended flydubai flights to and from the country for six days, a directive issued from the Prime Minister’s Office, as Israeli business press reported. The decision was coordinated with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, and Israeli officials say the incident must be fully investigated before flights resume.
At the same time, Israeli carriers — El Al, Arkia, and Israir — are expected to resume Tel Aviv–Dubai flights after a six-month hiatus, following a UAE agreement to Israel’s security demands for the route, as reported by Globes.
What Passengers Need to Know Right Now
If you hold a flydubai ticket to or from Tel Aviv in the coming days, check your booking status before heading to the airport. Flydubai has apologised to affected travellers, arranged substitute flights and transfers where possible, and says it is coordinating with regulators and airport operators.
Also expect heightened security. Israel’s Transport Minister has ordered tighter screening on both Israeli and foreign carriers flying into Israel, so build extra time into your journey even if your flight is not cancelled.
Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where FZ1073 made its emergency landing.
Travellers flying between the two countries should keep an eye on our Dubai airport guide for terminal tips, and those rerouting should review Dubai’s tourist visa rules if their plans change. General guidance for staying prepared while travelling is in our tourist safety tips.
FAQs About the FZ1073 Incident
Is flydubai still flying between Dubai and Tel Aviv?
Not currently. Israel suspended flydubai flights for six days following the incident, and flydubai itself paused services pending the investigation. Check with the airline before travelling.
Was anyone killed in the cockpit incident?
No fatalities have been reported. Both pilots were hospitalised with injuries, and all passengers were accounted for after the safe landing in Tabuk.
Did the co-pilot really try to crash the plane?
That claim comes from Israeli officials and is not confirmed by flydubai or Saudi investigators. The airline has only confirmed an altercation occurred in the flight deck; the motive is under formal investigation.
Are other flydubai flights affected?
Flydubai says the incident has no impact on the rest of its network. The airline sent replacement aircraft to Tabuk for this flight only.
Are Israeli airlines flying the route again?
Israeli carriers El Al, Arkia, and Israir are expected to resume Tel Aviv–Dubai services after a six-month break, following an agreement on security arrangements with the UAE.
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