30/09/2026
A Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday after an emergency unfolded during the journey. The aircraft transmitted emergency signals, including transponder code 7500, which is used to indicate possible unlawful interference or hijacking.
Reports say a violent altercation occurred between the pilots inside the cockpit, prompting serious security concerns and an emergency response. Israeli officials are investigating whether the incident involved an attempt by one of the pilots to deliberately interfere with or crash the aircraft, but the circumstances remain under investigation and Flydubai has not publicly confirmed those allegations. The airline has described the situation as an “incident” and said it is cooperating with the relevant authorities.
Flight FZ1073 landed safely at Tabuk Airport, and Flydubai confirmed that all passengers were safe and accounted for. Saudi authorities provided assistance following the landing, while arrangements were being made for the passengers to continue their journey. Saudi Arabia and Israel do not have formal diplomatic relations, although Saudi airspace has been open to Israeli flights in recent years.
The Dubai–Tel Aviv air route developed following the normalisation of relations between the UAE and Israel under the 2020 Abraham Accords. The investigation into exactly what happened aboard the aircraft is continuing.
