Flydubai flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, made an emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on September 30, 2026, following a security incident during the flight.
Tabuk airport’s air traffic control center received a distress call from the aircraft at 8:44 a.m. local time, requesting an emergency landing. The airport immediately activated its emergency procedures, and the aircraft landed safely at 9:45 a.m.
The captain and co-pilot were found to have sustained injuries and were transferred to a hospital for medical treatment.
All passengers were reported safe following the landing.
What Happened on Flydubai Flight FZ1073?
Flight FZ1073 was operating from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) when an incident occurred while the aircraft was en route.
Flydubai later confirmed that an altercation occurred on the flight deck.
According to the airline, other on-duty flydubai crew members who were traveling on the aircraft helped secure the plane, diverted the flight and landed safely at Tabuk Airport.
Saudi airport authorities activated emergency procedures after receiving the aircraft’s distress call and provided assistance once the plane landed.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority later described the event as a security incident and confirmed that crew members were injured.
An investigation is underway to determine the causes and circumstances surrounding the incident.
Captain and Co-Pilot Injured
Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport said both the captain and co-pilot sustained injuries during the incident.
After the emergency landing, the two pilots were transferred to a hospital in Saudi Arabia for medical treatment.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority also confirmed that crew members were injured and said the affected personnel received the necessary medical care.
Further details about the injuries are being handled as part of the ongoing investigation.
Reports of an Altercation Inside the Cockpit
Flydubai has officially confirmed that an altercation took place on the flight deck.
Reuters, citing Israeli officials and passenger accounts, reported that the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain during the flight.
According to those reports, the captain was injured and the aircraft entered a rapid descent before other crew members and passengers were able to intervene.
Reuters reported that other flydubai pilots traveling on the aircraft subsequently helped regain control and land the plane safely in Tabuk.
The exact circumstances and motive behind the incident remain under investigation, and flydubai has urged against speculation before the formal investigation is completed.
Flight FZ1073 Transmitted Emergency Codes
Flight-tracking data also recorded unusual activity from FZ1073 during the incident.
According to Flightradar24, the aircraft initially transmitted squawk code 7700, which is used internationally to indicate a general emergency.
The aircraft later switched to squawk code 7500, which indicates unlawful interference, before switching back to 7700 as it approached Tabuk.
Flightradar24 data also showed that the aircraft began a steep descent while flying near the Saudi-Jordanian region.
It later changed direction and continued toward Tabuk, where it landed safely.
What Time Did the Flydubai Flight Land in Tabuk?
Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport said the air traffic control center received the emergency request from flight FZ1073 at:
8:44 a.m. Saudi time
The airport declared an emergency and placed its response teams on alert.
The aircraft landed safely at:
9:45 a.m. Saudi time
Emergency and medical assistance was then provided to the crew and passengers.
Were the Passengers Safe?
Yes. All passengers aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 were reported safe and accounted for following the emergency landing.
Passengers were provided with necessary care inside the terminal at Tabuk airport while arrangements were made for them to continue their journey.
Flydubai also confirmed that passenger safety and crew wellbeing remained its priority throughout the incident.
Replacement Aircraft Arranged for Passengers
Following the emergency landing, Tabuk airport coordinated with flydubai to arrange an alternative aircraft for the affected passengers.
The replacement aircraft later departed Tabuk at approximately 5:40 p.m. on September 30, allowing the passengers to continue toward their final destination.
The airport said all passengers from FZ1073 had departed aboard the replacement flight.
UAE Aviation Authority Confirms Security Incident
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that flight FZ1073 experienced a security incident that was brought under control.
The authority said the incident required the aircraft to divert and make an emergency landing in Tabuk.
It also confirmed that some crew members were injured and transported to a hospital in Saudi Arabia.
Investigation teams are reviewing both the operational and security aspects of the incident in coordination with the relevant authorities.
The GCAA has urged the public not to circulate unofficial information or draw conclusions before investigators complete their work.
Flydubai Suspends Flights to Israel
Following the FZ1073 incident, flydubai announced the suspension of its flights to and from Israel while authorities investigate what happened.
The airline said the suspension would remain in place as the investigation continued.
Flydubai said the safety and wellbeing of its passengers, crew and operations remain its highest priority.
Investigation Into Flydubai FZ1073 Continues
Saudi and UAE authorities are continuing their investigations into the circumstances surrounding the emergency landing.
Flydubai has confirmed that a flight-deck altercation occurred, while the UAE aviation regulator has categorized the event as a security incident.
However, authorities have not yet issued a final investigation report explaining the full sequence of events or establishing the motive behind the incident.
Further details are expected to be released once investigators complete their review.
Flydubai FZ1073 Incident at a Glance
Airline: Flydubai
Flight: FZ1073
Date: September 30, 2026
Route: Dubai to Tel Aviv
Emergency landing: Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Tabuk
Distress call received: 8:44 a.m.
Aircraft landed: 9:45 a.m.
Captain and co-pilot: Injured and taken to hospital
Passengers: All reported safe
Emergency codes recorded: 7700 and 7500
Replacement aircraft: Departed Tabuk at approximately 5:40 p.m.
Investigation: Ongoing
Flydubai flight FZ1073 landed safely in Tabuk after the incident was brought under control. The passengers were able to continue their journey on a replacement aircraft, while aviation authorities continue investigating the security incident and the circumstances that led to the emergency diversion.
