Flydubai Flight Diverted After Co-Pilot Allegedly Attacks Pilot

September 30, 2026

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Flight Horror: Passengers Storm Cockpit After Co-Pilot Allegedly Attacks Captain Mid-Air

A Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after a serious incident reportedly involving the pilots in the cockpit.

Flydubai flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport when the aircraft diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.

The airline said all passengers were safe following the incident.

Flydubai Flight FZ1073 Diverted to Saudi Arabia

Flydubai said the Boeing 737 experienced an “incident” while en route to Tel Aviv.

The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport, where passengers were taken off the plane.

Israeli media initially reported that the incident involved a physical altercation between the pilot and co-pilot. The aircraft also transmitted emergency signals during the incident.

Co-Pilot Allegedly Attacked Captain

Later reports provided more details about what happened inside the aircraft.

According to Reuters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft. Passengers then helped restrain the co-pilot while other pilots took control and landed the plane safely in Saudi Arabia.

These details were not included in Flydubai’s initial statement, which described the event only as an “incident.”

Passengers Reportedly Stormed the Cockpit

Israeli media reported that passengers intervened during the confrontation between the pilots.

The reports said passengers managed to enter the cockpit and help restrain the co-pilot.

A photograph published by Israeli media also showed one of the pilots with blood on his shirt. The circumstances surrounding the injuries were initially not independently verified.

Flight Suddenly Lost Altitude

Flight-tracking data showed that the aircraft experienced a sharp drop in altitude during the flight.

According to data cited in reports, the aircraft dropped from around 34,000 feet to below 17,000 feet in a very short period before continuing toward Saudi Arabia.

The aircraft eventually landed safely at Tabuk Airport.

Israeli Fighter Jets Scrambled

The incident also prompted Israeli authorities to respond.

Israeli fighter jets were reportedly scrambled after the aircraft transmitted emergency signals, amid initial concerns about a possible hijacking.

That possibility was later dismissed by Israeli officials as more information about the cockpit altercation emerged.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also briefed during the incident and remained in contact with government ministers.

Bloody T-shirt

Investigation Into Flydubai Incident Continues

Flydubai and authorities in the countries involved initially provided limited details about what happened aboard the aircraft.

The circumstances surrounding the alleged attack, the pilots’ injuries and the actions that led to the emergency landing remain subject to investigation.

Reuters reported that Saudi authorities arrested the co-pilot following the landing and were expected to question him about the incident.

The flight’s passengers were safe after the emergency landing, while arrangements were being made for their onward journey.