Story perspectives

Cockpit fight diverts Flydubai FZ1073 to Tabuk

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 2:23 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Flydubai flight FZ1073 was diverted to Tabuk after a cockpit fight.
The Omani co-pilot allegedly stabbed the Indian captain during the altercation.
Passengers, including Tzvika Manes, entered the cockpit and restrained the attacker.
The aircraft transmitted squawk 7700 then 7500 and dropped about 14,000-20,000 feet in under a minute.
All 174 passengers and crew landed safely; Flydubai provided a replacement aircraft.

History

Historical Context

In July 1976 Palestinian and German militants hijacked Air France Flight 139, forcing it to Entebbe, Uganda, where Israeli Defense Forces rescued 102 of 106 hostages in a raid that killed commander Yonatan Netanyahu. The recent Flydubai FZ1073 episode, in which an Omani co-pilot assaulted an Indian captain and passengers thwarted a takeover, echoes the Entebbe lesson that swift passenger action and cockpit security can prevent hijackings.

1 of 2

Story summary

Flydubai flight FZ1073 was diverted to Tabuk after a cockpit fight.
The Omani co-pilot allegedly stabbed the Indian captain during the altercation.
Passengers, including Tzvika Manes, entered the cockpit and restrained the attacker.
The aircraft transmitted squawk 7700 then 7500 and dropped about 14,000-20,000 feet in under a minute.
All 174 passengers and crew landed safely; Flydubai provided a replacement aircraft.

1 / 2