My Aviation | Airlines & Safety | 1 October 2026
A serious security incident aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 has prompted an official investigation and the temporary suspension of the airline’s services to and from Israel.
Flight FZ1073 was operating from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gururion International Airport on 30 September when an incident occurred on the flight deck. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that the security situation was brought under control, but the aircraft was required to divert and make an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. Some crew members sustained injuries and were taken to hospital for treatment.
Flydubai has separately confirmed that an altercation occurred on the flight deck. According to the airline, on-duty flydubai crew members who were travelling on the aircraft helped secure the situation before the flight was safely diverted to Tabuk. The airline said all passengers and crew were safe and accounted for following the landing.
More serious details have since emerged from Israel. Reuters reported statements from Israeli officials alleging that the co-pilot attacked the captain and attempted to bring the aircraft down before passengers and crew intervened. Reuters also reported that additional flydubai pilots travelling on the aircraft subsequently helped bring the flight safely to the ground. Flydubai has cautioned against premature conclusions, while the motive behind the incident remains under investigation.
The distinction is important. While reports have referred to a possible hijacking or attempted deliberate interference with the aircraft, the UAE aviation authority has officially described the occurrence as a security incident and has not yet released a final determination on its cause, motive or classification.
The GCAA said investigators are working with the relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the event, including its operational and security aspects. It has also urged the public not to circulate unofficial information or pre-empt the findings of the investigation.
In the aftermath of the incident, flydubai temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel while investigations continue.
The incident is likely to draw considerable attention within the international aviation community because it involves flight deck security, crew intervention and the management of a rapidly developing airborne emergency. However, determining exactly what happened, why it happened and whether the occurrence meets the formal definition of an attempted hijacking will ultimately depend on the findings of the authorities investigating the event.
For now, the most significant fact is that the aircraft was brought safely to the ground and the passengers were accounted for.
My Aviation will continue to follow verified updates from flydubai, the UAE GCAA and other relevant authorities as the investigation develops.
My Aviation | Airlines & Safety | 1 October 2026
