Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai International Airport to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport diverted to Tabuk (TUU), Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, 30 September, following a reported violent altercation between its pilots. The airline confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and that all passengers were safe and accounted for.
The aircraft was a Boeing 737 MAX 8 registered A6-FKF, according to flight-tracking data from Flightradar24. Flydubai said an incident had occurred during the flight and that it was cooperating with the relevant authorities, but did not confirm what had happened in the cockpit.
Sources told CNN that a violent incident between the two pilots had prompted the diversion. An Israeli official gave Reuters a similar account, although the circumstances remained unclear. A spokesperson for the Israeli prime minister’s office said the incident was not believed to have been a hijacking.
Flight-tracking data reviewed by CNN showed a rapid descent from approximately 34,000ft to 16,600ft in just over two minutes, at around 05:20 UTC. Other early reports gave different figures for the descent, leaving its precise profile to be established.
The aircraft subsequently transmitted emergency signals, including one indicating possible unlawful interference, according to Flightradar24. Israeli fighter jets were scrambled as authorities assessed the situation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held security consultations and monitored developments. His office later said the situation was under control and that arrangements were being made to bring the Israeli passengers home. Flydubai said it would release further information as confirmed details became available.
