UAE investigation into flydubai incident to determine if ‘terror activity’ was involved

The flydubai flight makes an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on September 30, 2026.

The UAE has launched a formal investigation into an onboard incident involving a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, with authorities examining its circumstances and whether it involved terrorist activity or prior planning.

October 3 update: UAE confirms flydubai co-pilot ‘attempted terrorist attack’

UAE Attorney-General Counsellor Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi ordered a specialised Public Prosecution team to investigate flight FZ1073 after it diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (September 30).

The aircraft was travelling from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport when the incident occurred in the flight deck. It subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, where injured crew members were taken to hospital.

The investigation team is working with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and other relevant UAE authorities to gather evidence and establish what happened.

The inquiry will also examine the circumstances and motives surrounding the incident, including whether it was linked to terrorist activity or involved prior planning or direction. These are lines of investigation, not established findings.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said UAE judicial authorities have jurisdiction to investigate because the aircraft is registered in the UAE and flies under its flag. Under the applicable legislation, UAE law can apply to crimes committed on board the aircraft even when they occur outside the country.

The ministry also expressed appreciation to Saudi authorities for their handling of the incident and co-operation.

Earlier, the GCAA said the incident had been brought under control but required the aircraft to divert and land in Saudi Arabia. The authority confirmed that some crew members were injured and received medical care.

Flydubai said an “altercation occurred in the flight deck” and that crew members travelling on board intervened to 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. It said the incident had not affected other scheduled operations across its network at the time of its initial statement.

The UAE Attorney-General has urged the public to rely on official announcements and avoid circulating unverified information or drawing conclusions before the investigation is complete. ICA/Expat Media

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