Flydubai Flight Diverts After Violent Cockpit Incident

A Flydubai Boeing 737 operating as flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv transmitted the international emergency code 7700 and shortly after the hijack code 7500, indicating a serious onboard disturbance. Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft dropped nearly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before turning toward Saudi Arabia. The plane landed safely at Tabuk Airport in north-western Saudi Arabia after a physical altercation between the two pilots triggered the emergency signals.

Flydubai Flight Diverts to Saudi Arabia After Cockpit Violence, Hijack Alert Incident of Violence in the Cockpit—Flydubai Plane Makes Emergency Landing

The flight carried roughly 180 passengers, the majority of whom were Israeli nationals. Flydubai confirmed that all passengers were accounted for and unharmed. The airline described the event only as an “incident” and said it was cooperating with relevant authorities. No Russian citizen was listed on the passenger manifest, according to the Russian Consulate General in Dubai.

Incident of Violence in the Cockpit—Flydubai Plane Makes Emergency Landing

Flydubai issued a brief statement confirming the emergency landing and the safety of passengers. An Israeli official told Reuters that the pilots’ emergency signals followed a physical fight in the cockpit, though it was unclear whether either pilot deliberately sent the codes. A senior Israeli government official who requested anonymity told TV station N12 that a major disaster had been averted. The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the situation was under control and that efforts were underway to return the Israeli passengers home. An Israeli spokeswoman confirmed that the suspected co-pilot is being questioned in Saudi Arabia.

Incident of Violence in the Cockpit—Flydubai Plane Makes Emergency Landing Flydubai Flight Diverts to Saudi Arabia After Cockpit Violence, Hijack Alert

Passengers reported hearing screams and seeing blood after the cockpit door was opened. A photo circulating online allegedly shows a blood-stained shirt belonging to a passenger.

Flydubai Flight Diverts to Saudi Arabia After Cockpit Violence, Hijack Alert

Saudi authorities are conducting a formal investigation, focusing on whether the attacker attempted to deliberately crash the aircraft. The co-pilot, suspected of stabbing his colleague with a pocketknife, remains in Saudi custody. Israeli officials are coordinating with Saudi counterparts to determine the pilot’s nationality and to arrange the passengers’ repatriation, either via a replacement aircraft or Israeli Air Force transport.

Incident of Violence in the Cockpit—Flydubai Plane Makes Emergency Landing