Flydubai Flight FZ1073 Pilot May Have Attempted To Crash the Plane: Reports
One pilot on Flydubai Flight FZ1073 (Dubai-Tel Aviv) may have tried to crash the plane. After a cockpit dispute and rapid descent, the other pilot and Israeli passengers subdued him. The flight diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All passengers aboard safe; not a hijacking. Probe is underway. Scroll below to know more.
A Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted and landed safely in Saudi Arabia today, September 30, after an in-flight incident that Israeli officials said raised suspicions that one of the pilots may have tried to crash the aircraft.
What Happened on Flight FZ1073
Flydubai Flight FZ1073 departed Dubai International Airport bound for Ben Gurion Airport in Israel. During the flight, the aircraft experienced what the airline described as an "nflight incident". Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the plane rapidly descending from about 34,000 feet to 14,000 feet, with one instantaneous descent rate recorded at roughly 30,976 feet per minute. Flydubai Flight FZ1073 Makes Emergency Landing in Tabuk After Dramatic Altitude Drop and Pilot Dispute.
Disturbing Photo from Flydubai Flight FZ1073 Surfaces
The flight changed course, returned briefly, and then landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Flydubai confirmed all passengers were safe and being looked after. The airline said it was cooperating with authorities and would provide further updates as information was verified.
Reports of a Cockpit Dispute
Israeli media and officials reported that a dispute broke out between the two pilots. According to one account, the emergency button was pressed accidentally during the disagreement. An Israeli official said there was suspicion that one pilot may have attempted to crash the plane. The other pilot, with help from Israeli passengers, managed to subdue him, according to the reports.
Photos circulating online reportedly showed a passenger who, along with others, helped restrain one of the pilots. A spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the incident was not a hijacking. Israeli media later reported that the matter was no longer being classified as a security event.
Investigation Ongoing
The exact cause of the incident has not been definitively established. Authorities continue to investigate the sequence of events on board. Flydubai has not released further details beyond confirming the safe landing and the welfare of those on board.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 30, 2026 03:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).