flydubai flight FZ1073 was diverted to Saudi Arabia on September 30, 2026.
The UAE Attorney-General says a co-pilot on a Dubai-bound-to-Tel Aviv flydubai flight attempted to carry out a terrorist act after allegedly attacking the captain with a crash axe and trying to take control of the aircraft.
Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said on Saturday (October 3) that the investigation into flight FZ1073 had uncovered evidence of the co-pilot’s actions inside the flight deck. The inquiry is continuing to establish the full circumstances and motives behind the incident.
The flight was travelling from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel on Wednesday (September 30) when the incident occurred. The aircraft diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where injured crew members received medical treatment.
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said the situation had been brought under control, but the aircraft needed to make an emergency landing. Flydubai said an “altercation occurred in the flight deck” and that crew members travelling on board intervened to help secure the aircraft and land it safely. “All passengers and crew are safe and accounted for,” the airline said.
The carrier also arranged two replacement aircraft to Tabuk to assist passengers and crew following the diversion.
Investigators are working with the GCAA and other relevant UAE authorities. Their work includes examining physical and digital evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether it involved prior planning or other links.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country’s judicial authorities have jurisdiction to investigate because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and operates under its flag. The ministry also thanked Saudi authorities for their response and cooperation. The Attorney-General said the final findings would be announced after the necessary investigative procedures are completed. ICA/Expat Media
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