Flydubai suspends flights to Israel after cockpit incident
Flydubai airline has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Israel following an incident on board a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Restrictions will remain in place while an official investigation is ongoing.
This is stated in a Flydubai statement. The company made the decision in coordination with the relevant authorities. The resumption date has not yet been announced — the carrier will review the decision as new data emerges.
The incident occurred on September 30 on flight FZ 1073 from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion Airport. According to Flydubai's official version, a scuffle occurred in the cockpit. The aircraft was brought under control by airline staff who were on board as passengers, after which it was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
The plane landed safely at Tabuk airport. Flydubai stated that all passengers and crew members were accounted for and safe. The company sent two backup aircraft to Saudi Arabia for them.
Meanwhile, the Tabuk airport administration reported that the captain and first officer were injured and taken to hospital. According to Khaleej Times, before landing the aircraft first transmitted a general emergency code, then a signal of unlawful interference on board.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority described the event as an aviation security incident that was brought under control. The circumstances are being investigated by the competent authorities of the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Flydubai separately stressed that the causes and motives of what happened in the cockpit have not been officially established at this stage. The company urged against speculation until the investigation is completed.
According to The National, after the incident the aircraft also had rudder damage. The publication notes that details of the event are still being clarified.
The suspension affected Flydubai's Israeli route only. The airline says other scheduled flights were not affected by the incident. Emirates also temporarily suspended codeshare Flydubai flights to and from Tel Aviv.
Flydubai said it is assisting passengers whose travel was disrupted and, where possible, offering them alternative options.
Sources: Flydubai, Khaleej Times, The National
