Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Flydubai Captain Returns to UAE as Tel Aviv Flights Halt
A Flydubai plane was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a safety incident happened in the cockpit.
The plane was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia and landed safely.
Flydubai’s CEO said the captain has returned to the UAE after receiving medical clearance.
The airline said everyone on board was safe.
An Associated Press report said the co-pilot attacked the captain, but Flydubai has not confirmed those details.
The airline said an official investigation is working to establish what happened.
Flydubai has also paused flights to Tel Aviv at the request of authorities.
It says it is helping passengers affected by the pause.
Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said the FZ1073 captain returned to the UAE after medical clearance.
The Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on September 30 after what Flydubai called a flight-deck safety incident.
Flydubai said all 172 passengers and crew were safe; the article also reports the aircraft was carrying 182 people.
An Associated Press report said the co-pilot stabbed the captain and the plane entered a steep descent; Flydubai has not detailed what happened in the cockpit.
Flydubai suspended Tel Aviv operations until further notice at authorities’ request, while an official investigation is underway.
- Who
- Flydubai, the captain of flight FZ1073, and the passengers and crew aboard.
- What
- The flight diverted after a reported flight-deck safety incident; the captain returned to the UAE after medical clearance, and Flydubai suspended Tel Aviv flights.
- When
- The flight was diverted on September 30; the CEO's statement was published October 3, 2026.
- Where
- The flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv and diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia; the captain later returned to the UAE.
- Why
- The diversion followed a flight-deck safety incident. Tel Aviv operations were suspended at the request of authorities.
- Flight
- Flydubai FZ1073
- Route
- Dubai to Tel Aviv
- Diversion
- Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Incident date
- September 30, 2026
- People aboard
- Flydubai's statement put the number at 172 passengers and crew; the article also says the aircraft was carrying 182 people.
- Captain
- Returned to the UAE after medical clearance, according to Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith.
- Tel Aviv service
- Temporarily suspended until further notice at the request of authorities.
- Investigation
- An official investigation is underway; Flydubai said it is cooperating.