Archive · 30 Sep 2026
Flydubai Flight Diverted After Cockpit Attack, Possible Terror Probe
A Flydubai plane was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a serious fight reportedly started in the cockpit.
Reports said one pilot, identified by Israeli media as an Omani co-pilot, may have stabbed the other pilot.
The plane quickly lost altitude and sent emergency signals.
Passengers heard shouting and some went to help.
Crew members and passengers reportedly restrained the pilot involved in the attack.
Other crew members then helped keep the plane flying safely.
The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
Both pilots were injured and taken to a hospital.
Investigators are trying to determine whether this was a terror attack, a hijacking attempt or something else.
Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a violent cockpit confrontation.
Israeli media reported that an Omani co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and tried to take control of the Boeing 737.
Passengers and crew members reportedly entered the cockpit, restrained the alleged attacker and helped stabilize the aircraft.
Flight-tracking data showed a rapid altitude loss, while the aircraft transmitted emergency signals including code 7500 for unlawful interference.
The plane landed safely with passengers accounted for, as Israeli and Saudi authorities investigated a possible terror attack and other explanations.
- Who
- The Flydubai captain and co-pilot, passengers, crew members, and Israeli and Saudi investigators were involved. Reports differed over the captain’s nationality, identifying him as Indian in some accounts and Emirati in another.
- What
- A violent cockpit confrontation allegedly involving a stabbing and an attempt to take control of the aircraft led to an emergency diversion.
- When
- Wednesday; one report dated the event September 30, but no year was specified.
- Where
- The aircraft was flying from Dubai toward Tel Aviv over the region between Jordan and Saudi Arabia before landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The cause and motive remain under investigation; Israeli authorities were examining a possible terror attack, hijacking attempt or other explanation.
Possible Intentional Attack
Unconfirmed Motive And Conflicting Details
Cause of the incident
Possible Intentional Attack
Israeli officials and media reports said the incident was increasingly being treated as a possible terror attack in which one pilot tried to crash the aircraft or seize control.
Unconfirmed Motive And Conflicting Details
Authorities had not conclusively established a terrorist motive and continued examining a hijacking, a mental-health crisis or another form of unlawful interference.
Pilot identities
Possible Intentional Attack
Ynet and other Israeli reports identified the alleged attacker as an Omani co-pilot and described the captain as Indian.
Unconfirmed Motive And Conflicting Details
Another report identified the other pilot as Emirati, while Flydubai had not publicly confirmed either pilot’s identity or nationality.
How the aircraft was saved
Possible Intentional Attack
Accounts credited the captain, passengers and crew members with overpowering the alleged attacker and preventing a major disaster.
Unconfirmed Motive And Conflicting Details
The precise sequence inside the cockpit remains under investigation, including who controlled the aircraft during its rapid descent and stabilization.
- Flight
- Flydubai FZ1073, a Boeing 737 traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Passengers
- Reports cited 174 passengers, including 27 children; other reports gave totals of roughly 150 to 180 people
- Diversion
- The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia
- Emergency data
- The aircraft transmitted emergency signals, including code 7500, and experienced a major altitude loss
- Altitude change
- Reports described a drop of nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds; other data showed a larger, multi-stage descent within five minutes
- Pilot injuries
- Both pilots were reported injured and hospitalized; one report said the stabbed pilot was in critical condition
- Investigation
- Israeli reports said Mossad, Shin Bet, the Israel Defense Forces and the Transportation Ministry were involved, while Saudi authorities also investigated
Sources
Indian Captain Fought Co-Pilot To Prevent FlyDubai Flight 'Crash'
Flydubai FZ1073 Hijack Scare: Hero Indian Captain Reportedly Fought Back After Co-Pilot Attack, Preventing Possible Crash
Indian captain fought with co-pilot during Flydubai incident: Media report
