Passengers Help Subdue Pilot After Violent Flydubai Cockpit Incident

A Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday after a violent incident reportedly broke out between the pilots in the cockpit.

Flight FZ1073, carrying more than 150 passengers, issued emergency signals while over the region and subsequently changed course toward Saudi Arabia. Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft making a rapid descent of roughly 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before the emergency response unfolded.

Reuters reported that an Israeli official said the pilots had become involved in a physical altercation. Passenger accounts also described screams and a man holding a knife during the confrontation.

One passenger reportedly had blood on a shirt, although Reuters said an image circulating in Israeli media could not immediately be independently verified.

Some reports have gone further, alleging that one pilot stabbed the other and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Those details, including the claim that there was a deliberate attempt to crash the plane, have not been officially established.

The emergency transmission initially raised fears of a hijacking, particularly after tracking data indicated the aircraft transmitted a signal associated with unlawful interference. Israeli authorities reportedly scrambled fighter jets as they sought to establish what was happening. 

However, an Israeli Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson subsequently said the incident was not believed to have been a hijacking. The exact circumstances surrounding the cockpit confrontation, including its motive and the actions of each pilot, remain under investigation. 

Flydubai confirmed that FZ1073 had experienced an “incident” while travelling to Tel Aviv and was diverted to Tabuk, where it landed safely. The airline said all passengers were safe and accounted for and that it was cooperating with the relevant authorities.