DUBAI Sept 30, 2026 – flydubai has suspended all flights to and from Israel after a mid-air cockpit incident on a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight on 30 September 2026.
Flight FZ1073 departed Dubai International Airport bound for Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. While en route, an altercation occurred in the cockpit. Israeli officials said the co-pilot stabbed the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft, causing a sudden steep descent of more than 14,000 feet. Passengers and on-duty crew members travelling on the flight entered the cockpit, overpowered the attacker, and helped divert the plane. The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. All passengers and crew were accounted for.
The captain, identified as Indian national Capt. Smit Machchhar, was injured but later reported to be in stable condition. Israeli officials identified the co-pilot as an Omani national; Saudi authorities detained him after landing. The motive remains under investigation. flydubai said the underlying reasons were unknown and warned against premature speculation.
In a statement, flydubai said the temporary suspension of Israel services would allow authorities to continue the investigation and establish the facts. The airline said passenger and crew safety remained its highest priority and that it was coordinating with regulators. Replacement aircraft were sent to Tabuk to carry passengers onward.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said passengers and crew foiled an apparent attempt to crash the plane. Israel announced tighter security checks on pilots flying into the country. Defence officials described the episode as an attempted attack, while investigations involving Saudi, Emirati, and Israeli authorities continue.
The flight operated on a route opened after the 2020 Abraham Accords normalized relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel. flydubai said the incident had no immediate effect on the rest of its network. The duration of the Israel-route suspension has not been confirmed.
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