Plane Flying Dubai-Tel Aviv Route Lands in Saudi Arabia Due to Cockpit Fight

A Flydubai passenger flight FZ 1073 en route from Dubai to Israel made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, following a violent incident between pilots in the cockpit, triggering a brief hijacking scare.

Sudden Landing and Route Change on the Aircraft

The aircraft, carrying over 170 passengers, had taken off from Dubai International Airport bound for Ben Gurion Airport. According to FlightRadar24 data, the plane experienced a sharp drop from 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet within roughly one to two minutes.

Physical Fight in the Cockpit and Intervention

It was reported that the route change resulted from a severe disagreement and physical fight between the two pilots in the cockpit. It was stated that the Indian captain was stabbed by the first officer and helped avert a disaster.

Passengers and crew on board, including an Israeli passenger named Tzvika Manes, intervened to subdue the attacker and take control of the aircraft.

Hijacking Panic and Scrambling of Fighter Jets

While the sudden descent and initial reports of the fight caused a brief hijacking scare, Israel scrambled fighter jets in response to a potential attack or hijacking scenario.

In a video recorded by a passenger, a person with blood on their face was seen stating that the plane had been hijacked and that the terrorists were subdued before landing.

Safe Landing and Official Statements

Israeli authorities and subsequent reports ruled out the possibility of an official terrorist act, clarifying that the incident stemmed from the cockpit fight. Flydubai confirmed that an incident had occurred on the aircraft and that it landed safely.