Flydubai Grounds Israel Flights Following Dramatic Mid-Air Cockpit Incident and Emergency Landing in Saudi Arabia

Flydubai has suspended all flights to and from Israel while authorities in the UAE investigate a serious security incident aboard flight FZ 1073 to Tel Aviv. The emergency forced the aircraft to make an unscheduled landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday during its journey from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport.

A spokesperson for flydubai confirmed to The National that an altercation took place on the flight deck. The crew successfully secured the aircraft, diverted its course, and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. In response to the event, Emirates has also suspended its codeshare operations with flydubai for Tel Aviv routes until further notice, and passengers whose final destination is Tel Aviv will not be accepted for travel from their point of origin.

Affected passengers have been advised to contact their travel agent, the Emirates contact centre, or visit the airline's website for updates. Travellers are also encouraged to update their contact details using the Manage Your Booking service to receive the latest information.

An official investigation is currently under way. Flydubai stated that the underlying reasons and motives behind the incident remain unknown, and the suspension will stay in place while investigators work to establish the full circumstances. The airline is closely coordinating with government authorities, regulators, and airport stakeholders, and will review the suspension as new information comes to light. Emirates confirmed it will also maintain coordination with relevant authorities.

The UAE's aviation authority has launched an investigation into the security incident, which will encompass a review of both operational and security protocols. Attorney General Hamad Al Shamsi ordered the formation of an investigation team tasked with gathering information and evidence, establishing the circumstances and motives, and determining if there was any connection to terrorism or prior planning.

While details of the incident on flight FZ 1073 remain partially unclear, flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 showed that the Boeing 737 descended 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds following the cockpit altercation. After departing Dubai, the plane diverted over Jordanian airspace and transmitted two emergency signals before issuing a final general emergency signal prior to landing at Tabuk Airport in north-western Saudi Arabia.

Videos broadcast widely on Israeli media, purportedly filmed inside the cabin, featured a passenger stating that one pilot was seriously injured and another slightly hurt following a stabbing. Reports indicate that the struggle began when the co-pilot attacked the pilot, leading to the aircraft's rapid descent. Flydubai confirmed that some crew members sustained injuries and were transferred to a hospital in Saudi Arabia for necessary medical care.

Captain Smit Machchhar received widespread praise for his actions from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Indian embassy in Riyadh reported that Captain Machchhar's condition was stable. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that one pilot stabbed the other and seemingly attempted to crash the plane with everyone on board, paying tribute to Captain Machchhar's extraordinary bravery while noting that almost all of the 174 passengers on board were Israelis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X that Captain Machchhar is a hero who showed immense courage and an unwavering resolve to protect others despite facing grave danger and serious injury. Modi added that his valour helped save hundreds of lives and averted a major tragedy.

Siddhartha Butalia, flydubai’s senior vice president for brand, marketing and communications, told The National that the exact sequence of events will only be known once data from the black boxes is analysed. He added that while there was damage to the aircraft rudder, no passengers sustained serious injuries. A replacement flydubai flight successfully transported all passengers to Ben Gurion International Airport late on Wednesday.