1 hr ago
Flydubai Suspends Israel Flights After In-Flight Incident Investigation
Flydubai stopped flights between Israel and the United Arab Emirates after an unusual event on a plane.
The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
It was diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Everyone on board was reported safe.
Israeli officials said one pilot allegedly stabbed the other and tried to crash the plane.
Passengers and crew members reportedly stopped the pilot and helped land the aircraft.
Flydubai said the exact reason for the altercation was still being investigated.
Israeli officials called the event an attempted terrorist attack.
The airline will keep flights suspended while authorities investigate.
Flydubai suspended all flights to and from Israel while authorities investigate an incident aboard flight FZ1073.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 was diverted from its Dubai-to-Tel Aviv route to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on September 30.
Flydubai said all passengers and crew were safe and accounted for after landing.
Israeli officials alleged that one pilot stabbed the other and attempted to crash the aircraft, but Flydubai urged against premature speculation.
Israel described the incident as an attempted terrorist attack targeting Israelis, the United Arab Emirates, and their diplomatic relationship.
- Who
- Flydubai, the flight crew and passengers, Israeli officials, and authorities in relevant countries.
- What
- Flydubai suspended flights to and from Israel after an onboard incident involving flight FZ1073.
- Where
- The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv before diverting to Tabuk in north-western Saudi Arabia.
- When
- The incident occurred on September 30, 2026; the suspension was announced October 1, 2026.
- Why
- Flydubai said flights were suspended while authorities investigate the incident and its cause.
Cautious Investigation
Israeli Terror Assessment
Cause of the incident
Cautious Investigation
Flydubai said the reasons for the onboard altercation were not known and urged people to avoid premature speculation while the investigation continued.
Israeli Terror Assessment
Israeli officials alleged that one pilot stabbed the other and attempted to crash the aircraft.
Nature of the event
Cautious Investigation
Flydubai characterized its response as a temporary suspension coordinated with relevant authorities during an investigation.
Israeli Terror Assessment
Israel’s Foreign Ministry called the incident an attempted terrorist attack, while Defence Minister Israel Katz called it an attempted jihadist terror attack.
Regional significance
Cautious Investigation
The airline’s stated focus was passenger safety and determining what happened aboard the flight.
Israeli Terror Assessment
Israeli officials said the incident aimed to harm Israelis, the United Arab Emirates, and the relationship established under the Abraham Accords.
Key facts
- Airline
- Flydubai
- Flight
- FZ1073
- Original route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Diversion airport
- Tabuk, north-western Saudi Arabia
- Aircraft
- Boeing 737 MAX 8
- Flight status
- All passengers and crew were reported safe and accounted for
- Suspension
- All Flydubai flights to and from Israel were suspended during the investigation
Quotes
Flydubai spokesperson
A spokesperson for the UAE airline Flydubai
“Following the incident involving flight FZ 1073 on 30 September, and in coordination with the relevant authorities, flydubai flights to and from Israel will be suspended while the investigation continues”
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