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By Amanda Castro, Matthew Robinson, Ellie Cook, and Brendan Cole
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A routine FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv turned into a terrifying midair emergency Wednesday after a violent confrontation erupted in the cockpit, forcing the aircraft to divert to Saudi Arabia and prompting the airline to suspend all Israel services while investigators work to determine what happened.
Israeli officials say the crisis began aboard Flight FZ1073 when the aircraft's co-pilot allegedly attacked Capt. Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot later praised for helping prevent a disaster. Passengers described scenes of panic as the Boeing 737 MAX rapidly lost altitude and transmitted emergency signals, with many fearing the aircraft would crash.
Accounts from passengers, crew members and Israeli officials suggest the injured captain managed to open the cockpit door despite suffering serious wounds, allowing passengers to rush forward and help restrain the suspect. The aircraft ultimately landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and passengers were later flown to Israel aboard a replacement plane.
The incident has drawn international attention. Speaking in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump said he discussed the episode with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and was told a passenger helped regain control of the aircraft after entering the cockpit. "That's the story I heard. I don't know if it's true, but that's the story I got from Bibi and a few other people," Trump said.
In a statement provided to Newsweek, a FlyDubai spokesperson said flights to and from Israel have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. "The safety and wellbeing of our passengers, crew and operations remain our highest priority," the airline said, adding that it is working with authorities to establish the facts surrounding the incident. Investigations by Saudi, Israeli and UAE authorities remain ongoing.
What We Know So Far
- "It appears the co-pilot was perhaps a terrorist, or perhaps insane, and he stabbed the pilot," Trump said. He went on to recount a story he said had been relayed to him by Netanyahu and others, involving a passenger who allegedly helped regain control of the aircraft after entering the cockpit. Trump noted that he could not independently verify the account.
- Saudi authorities have arrested the co-pilot accused of attacking the captain aboard a Flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Israeli officials suspect the co-pilot attempted to seize control of the aircraft after stabbing the captain, though investigators have not publicly determined whether the goal was to crash the plane or take hostages.
- Flight tracking data showed the aircraft rapidly lost altitude before diverting to Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
- Both pilots were reportedly injured and were taken for medical treatment after landing.
- Flydubai says crew members secured the aircraft and landed it safely, while an investigation into the incident is underway.
- Israeli officials held security consultations following the emergency landing and have warned of potential additional threats.
- "One of the pilots stabbed the second pilot, and apparently tried to crash the plane with everyone on board," Netanyahu said. The Israeli leader said one of the passengers had recounted the plane starting to dive, before he and a crew member broke into the cockpit and subdued the co-pilot.
- Passengers recounted hearing screams from the front of the plane, seeing blood in the cockpit and feeling the aircraft rapidly lose altitude. Several travelers who intervened said they acted instinctively after realizing the jet appeared to be out of control.
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Sep 30, 2026 at 06:05 PM EDT
Expert says it’s too early to predict security changes
While airlines are expected to review procedures following the FlyDubai incident, Dave Komendat cautioned that it is still too early to determine what changes may result.
"Most airlines will be examining their cockpit access procedures, crew screening and overall communication protocols," he told Newsweek. The key question, he said, is whether investigators identify a preventable security gap.
Sep 30, 2026 at 05:52 PM EDT
Why paying attention to safety briefings matters: Expert
The FlyDubai incident is a reminder that safety briefings should not be ignored, aviation security expert Dave Komendat told Newsweek.
"Knowing where the aircraft's exits are and understanding basic emergency procedures are important for all travelers," he said. "In a fast-moving situation, there may be very little time to process what's happening, so having a basic understanding of the procedures can help passengers respond quickly and safely."
Sep 30, 2026 at 05:39 PM EDT
Passenger intervention was rare, but not unprecedented
The actions of passengers who helped restrain the suspect aboard the FlyDubai flight were extraordinary but not without precedent, according to Dave Komendat.
"This is an extremely unusual scenario as it involved the cockpit crew," he told Newsweek. However, he noted that passengers have stepped in during previous aviation emergencies, including hijackings, when crew members needed assistance.
Sep 30, 2026 at 05:26 PM EDT
Who landed the FlyDubai plane remains unclear
Questions remain about who ultimately landed FlyDubai Flight FZ1073 after the aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia following the alleged cockpit attack.
FlyDubai has said the aircraft was secured and safely diverted by "on-duty FlyDubai crew traveling on the flight," but the airline has not provided a detailed account of exactly who assumed control of the aircraft during the emergency.
Several passengers have offered their own descriptions of what happened. One traveler, Almog Itali, said two relief pilots who were aboard as passengers stepped in after the cockpit altercation and helped stabilize the aircraft before guiding it to an emergency landing in Tabuk, according to remarks cited by CNN.
The account aligns with comments from other passengers who have described off-duty or repositioning pilots assisting during the crisis after the captain was injured and the suspect was restrained.
David Soucie, a CNN aviation safety analyst, said it is not unusual for additional pilots to be aboard a flight when they are being repositioned for future assignments, though he noted such arrangements are often made with pilots traveling off-duty.
Saudi aviation officials have said both the captain and co-pilot were injured during the incident. Investigators are continuing to reconstruct the sequence of events inside the cockpit and determine precisely how the aircraft was brought safely to the ground.
Sep 30, 2026 at 05:15 PM EDT
WATCH: Trump speaks about the FlyDubai incident
Sep 30, 2026 at 05:13 PM EDT
Expert predicts review of pilot vetting procedures
Airlines and regulators are likely to closely examine hiring and monitoring procedures as investigators work to understand what happened aboard Flight FZ1073, aviation security expert Dave Komendat told Newsweek.
"Airlines will be looking at their vetting and internal monitoring processes to see if there was a weak spot or if this incident was due to a gap in protocol," Komendat said.
He added that regulators could review background checks, hiring practices and reporting procedures involving flight crews.
Sep 30, 2026 at 05:00 PM EDT
Aviation security expert calls crew-member threat ‘unusual’
The alleged involvement of a flight crew member makes the FlyDubai incident particularly unusual, according to aviation security expert Dave Komendat, a senior security adviser at International SOS and former chief security officer at Boeing.
"What stands out from a security perspective is that the threat seems to have originated from inside the cockpit and involved a member of the crew," Komendat told Newsweek. "Aviation security is usually focused on threats coming from outside actors, so this situation creates a more complex security challenge."
Sep 30, 2026 at 04:56 PM EDT
Flydubai suspends Israel flights as investigation continues
FlyDubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel following Wednesday's midair emergency aboard Flight FZ1073, as authorities continue investigating the incident.
In a statement reported by CNN, a spokesperson for the airline said services would remain paused while investigators work to establish the facts surrounding the event. The spokesperson said passenger, crew and operational safety remain the airline's top priorities.
The suspension comes after a Tel Aviv-bound FlyDubai flight was diverted to Saudi Arabia following what Israeli officials have described as a suspected hijacking attempt involving a cockpit altercation. The aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, and passengers were later transported to Israel aboard a replacement flight.
FlyDubai said it is working to support affected travelers and arrange alternatives where possible, while apologizing for disruptions to travel plans.
The airline operates daily round-trip services between Dubai and Tel Aviv, one of the busiest air routes established since Israel and the United Arab Emirates normalized relations under the Abraham Accords in 2020. The route is used extensively by both business and leisure travelers.
The suspension is expected to remain in place while investigations by Saudi, Israeli and aviation authorities continue.
Sep 30, 2026 at 04:47 PM EDT
Passenger-dentist says he treated injured pilot during flight emergency
A dentist who was among the passengers aboard Wednesday's FlyDubai flight said he provided medical assistance to the injured captain after a violent incident in the cockpit.
According to reporting by The New York Times, Dr. Shota Musev said he was one of the first passengers to reach the cockpit after the suspect was subdued. There, he found the captain on the floor suffering from serious head injuries and cuts to his fingers.
Musev said he treated the wounded pilot while other passengers worked to secure the suspect. He told The New York Times that after the attacker was removed from the cockpit, he and another passenger used headphone cables to bind the suspect's hands. He said it was unclear at the time whether the blood visible on the suspect belonged to him or someone else involved in the struggle.
The dentist added that the suspect was also attended to by another passenger following the confrontation.
Sep 30, 2026 at 04:34 PM EDT
UK cabinet minister responds to FlyDubai flight incident
British Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said he was deeply concerned by Wednesday's emergency aboard a FlyDubai flight bound for Israel and expressed relief that the aircraft landed safely.
In a post on X, Miliband said he was thankful for the actions of those on board that helped bring the incident to a safe conclusion. He also offered support to those injured in the attack, as well as to the passengers, crew members and their families.
Sep 30, 2026 at 04:21 PM EDT
WATCH: Passenger says injured captain opened cockpit door before collapsing
One of the Israeli passengers credited with helping stop the suspect aboard FlyDubai Flight FZ1073 has said the wounded captain may have played a crucial role in preventing a disaster.
According to comments reported by journalist Ariel Oseran, the passenger told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the injured captain managed to open the cockpit door before collapsing from his injuries. The passenger said that allowed travelers to enter the cockpit and confront the suspect.
The passenger reportedly told Netanyahu that he and others found the alleged attacker attempting to damage aircraft systems and take control of the plane. He said the group restrained the suspect and removed him from the cockpit area as the aircraft experienced a dangerous loss of altitude.
Israeli officials have praised the actions of passengers and crew members during the incident, describing their intervention as instrumental in preventing a potentially catastrophic outcome.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia, Israel and the United Arab Emirates continue to investigate the events aboard Flight FZ1073, which diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, before all passengers were later returned to Israel.
Sep 30, 2026 at 04:08 PM EDT
WATCH: Netanyahu confirms FlyDubai co-pilot stabbed captain, tried to crash plane
Sep 30, 2026 at 03:54 PM EDT
Passenger describes helping restrain suspect during flydubai flight emergency
An Israeli passenger has recounted how he and other travelers helped restrain the suspect at the center of Wednesday's FlyDubai flight emergency after a violent incident erupted in the cockpit.
Speaking to Israeli media, passenger Tzvika Manes said the ordeal began when screams and sounds of a struggle were heard near the front of the aircraft. According to his account, the injured captain emerged from the cockpit while the aircraft began losing altitude, prompting several passengers to intervene.
Manes said a small group of passengers moved toward the cockpit and worked together to subdue the suspect. He told reporters they eventually used corded headphones to tie up the man after a struggle that lasted roughly 20 to 25 minutes.
Another passenger, identified as Yaniv, later told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he entered the cockpit, pulled the suspect away from the controls and helped stabilize the aircraft before another pilot took over.
The FlyDubai flight, which was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. All passengers survived, and authorities are continuing to investigate.
Sep 30, 2026 at 03:41 PM EDT
Dubai-Tel Aviv Air route has become one of Israel’s busiest
The FlyDubai incident has drawn attention to one of the Middle East's busiest international air corridors: the route between Dubai and Tel Aviv.
Commercial flights between Israel and the United Arab Emirates began after the countries normalized relations under the Abraham Accords in 2020. Since then, travel between the two nations has expanded rapidly, fueled by both tourism and business demand.
Today, dozens of flights operate each week between Dubai International Airport and Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. FlyDubai is the largest carrier on the route, joined by Emirates and Israeli airlines including El Al and Israir.
The connection has become especially popular among Israeli travelers. Data released by Ben Gurion Airport showed that approximately 1.1 million Israeli passengers traveled to Dubai in 2025, underscoring the city's status as one of Israel's leading overseas destinations.
The strong traffic levels reflect the deepening economic and tourism ties that have developed since the normalization agreement. Wednesday's emergency involving FlyDubai Flight FZ1073 occurred on a route that has become a key symbol of those growing links between Israel and the UAE.
Sep 30, 2026 at 03:28 PM EDT
Passenger who helped restrain suspect meets Netanyahu
An Israeli passenger who reportedly helped restrain the suspect during Wednesday's FlyDubai flight emergency met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after returning to Israel, according to media reports.
The passenger, identified in Israeli media as Ynav Sharir, was among those credited with intervening after a violent incident erupted in the cockpit of Flight FZ1073, which had been traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv before diverting to Saudi Arabia.
Images from Ben Gurion Airport showed Sharir meeting Netanyahu shortly after the replacement flight landed. According to reports, he was still wearing clothing stained during the struggle aboard the aircraft.
Sharir reportedly told Netanyahu that he entered the cockpit area after the incident unfolded and helped remove and restrain the suspect. Israeli officials have praised passengers and crew members who intervened during the emergency, saying their actions helped prevent a potentially far more serious outcome.
Sep 30, 2026 at 03:15 PM EDT
Israel’s tough airport security was shaped by decades of hijacking threats
The suspected hijacking attempt aboard a FlyDubai flight on Wednesday has renewed attention on why Israel maintains some of the world's most extensive aviation security measures.
Many of those safeguards were developed after a wave of airline hijackings, bombings and attacks linked to Palestinian militant groups from the late 1960s through the 1980s. During that period, commercial aircraft became high-profile targets in attacks intended to secure prisoner releases, attract international attention and pressure governments.
Several incidents became defining moments in aviation security history. In 1968, an El Al flight was successfully hijacked and diverted to Algeria, leading to a weeks-long hostage standoff. Two years later, multiple airliners were seized in the coordinated Dawson's Field hijackings, an event that helped spur international efforts to combat air piracy.
Other attacks included the 1972 hijacking of Sabena Flight 571, which ended when Israeli commandos stormed the aircraft at Lod Airport, and the 1976 Air France hijacking that led to the famous Israeli hostage rescue at Entebbe Airport in Uganda.
The string of incidents prompted governments and airlines worldwide to dramatically strengthen airport screening, passenger checks and anti-hijacking procedures. Security measures now common at airports, including extensive baggage screening and metal detectors, were adopted in part because of the threat posed by airline hijackings during that era.
Israel's modern aviation security system, often cited as one of the most comprehensive in the world, emerged against that backdrop and continues to be shaped by concerns about potential threats to commercial aviation.
Sep 30, 2026 at 03:02 PM EDT
BREAKING: Netanyahu identifies injured Flydubai captain as Indian National
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday identified the captain injured during the FlyDubai Flight FZ1073 incident as Capt. Smit Machchhar, an Indian citizen.
In a statement, Netanyahu praised the captain's actions during the emergency, saying he continued to resist despite suffering serious injuries. According to the Israeli leader, the captain was stabbed during the cockpit confrontation but managed to open the cockpit door before collapsing.
Netanyahu said that action allowed passengers and crew members to enter the flight deck and overpower the suspected attacker, preventing what officials have described as a potentially catastrophic outcome.
The prime minister credited Capt. Machchhar with helping save the lives of all 174 people aboard the aircraft, including Israeli and foreign passengers.
The FlyDubai flight, which was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was forced to divert to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a violent incident in the cockpit. Saudi authorities later took the suspect into custody, while both pilots were reported injured.
Investigations by Saudi, Israeli and aviation authorities remain ongoing as officials work to determine exactly how the incident unfolded and what motivated the alleged attack.
Sep 30, 2026 at 03:01 PM EDT
Israeli probe examines role of Omani pilot in FlyDubai incident
Multiple Israeli agencies have joined the investigation into Wednesday's FlyDubai flight emergency, with officials reportedly focusing on how a pilot from a country without formal diplomatic relations with Israel came to be assigned to the Tel Aviv-bound route.
According to CNN, the inquiry involves Israel's domestic security service, intelligence agencies, military officials and the Transportation Ministry. One of the central questions is whether protocols governing foreign flight crews operating services to Israel were properly followed.
Israeli officials have said the co-pilot accused of attacking the captain was an Omani national. Oman does not maintain full diplomatic relations with Israel, and investigators are examining how the pilot received authorization to operate on the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight.
The probe comes after Flight FZ1073 was forced to divert to Saudi Arabia following an alleged cockpit altercation that triggered emergency and suspected hijacking alerts. The aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, and the suspect was later taken into custody by Saudi authorities.
Israeli officials have said the investigation is continuing and that authorities are seeking to determine both how the incident unfolded and whether any security procedures were breached before the flight departed.
Sep 30, 2026 at 02:48 PM EDT
Injured passenger treated after return to Israel
One passenger from the diverted FlyDubai flight was taken to a hospital after arriving back in Israel, according to airport officials.
An Israel Airports Authority spokesperson said a 50-year-old man sustained an upper-body injury and was transported for medical treatment. Officials described his condition as light.
After landing at Ben Gurion Airport, passengers were taken to a designated reception area established under instructions from Transportation Minister Miri Regev. Medical teams, including personnel from Israel's national emergency service Magen David Adom, were on hand to evaluate returning travelers.
Airport officials said passengers were later reunited with waiting family members in emotional scenes marked by relief after the ordeal.
The airport authority added that operations at Ben Gurion Airport continued as normal throughout the day despite the disruption caused by the FlyDubai incident.
Sep 30, 2026 at 02:34 PM EDT
US officials say no credible threat to America after FlyDubai incident
Senior U.S. officials said Wednesday there is no known threat to the United States stemming from the suspected hijacking attempt aboard a FlyDubai flight bound for Israel.
Speaking at a press conference, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said authorities are taking the incident seriously but emphasized that investigators have not identified any credible threats directed at the U.S.
Mullin said officials are continuing to review security procedures and monitor developments as more information emerges about the incident, which forced a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv to divert to Saudi Arabia.
Attorney General Todd Blanche said authorities were still working through conflicting reports received in the immediate aftermath. He noted that information from overseas incidents can be fragmented in the early stages of an investigation and said additional details are expected as investigators establish a clearer picture of what occurred.
The comments came as Saudi, Israeli and aviation officials continue investigating the alleged cockpit attack aboard Flight FZ1073, which Israeli authorities have described as a suspected hijacking attempt. All passengers and crew survived the incident after the aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Sep 30, 2026 at 02:21 PM EDT
Netanyahu speaks with UAE leader after FlyDubai incident
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed on Wednesday following the emergency diversion of a FlyDubai flight that Israeli officials have described as a suspected hijacking attempt.
The call came hours after Flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was forced to land in Saudi Arabia following an alleged attack in the cockpit. The incident reportedly caused the aircraft to lose thousands of feet in altitude in minutes, alarming passengers on board.
CNN reported that it had sought comment from UAE authorities regarding the conversation between the two leaders.
The incident has drawn attention to the close ties that have developed between Israel and the United Arab Emirates since the countries normalized relations under the Abraham Accords in 2020. Dubai has since become one of the most popular destinations for Israeli travelers, while air links between the countries have expanded significantly.
The phone call also follows Netanyahu's visit to the UAE earlier this week, during which he met Sheikh Mohammed. According to an Israeli source cited by CNN, the leaders discussed regional issues, including Iran, an area where cooperation between Israel and the UAE has grown in recent years.
Authorities in Saudi Arabia, Israel and the UAE continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the FlyDubai incident.
Sep 30, 2026 at 02:08 PM EDT
Israel minister calls for review of FlyDubai operations after flight incident
Israel's transportation minister has reportedly asked the country's security services to examine whether FlyDubai flights should continue operating to and from Israel following Wednesday's incident aboard Flight FZ1073.
According to reports in Israeli media, the request came after preliminary findings suggested the co-pilot accused of attacking the captain may have been an Omani national. Officials are reportedly examining whether that would conflict with existing understandings governing the airline's operations on routes serving Israel.
The incident has also prompted a broader investigation involving Israeli security and government agencies. The probe is expected to examine what was known before the flight departed, how the suspect came to be assigned to the route, and whether any warning signs were missed.
Separately, Israeli authorities established a designated waiting area at Ben Gurion Airport for relatives of passengers aboard the diverted flight, providing updates as officials worked to return travelers from Saudi Arabia.
The Israeli Air Force also said it regularly trains for scenarios involving civilian aircraft emergencies, including potential security threats involving planes bound for Israel. Those preparations can include scrambling fighter jets and implementing temporary airspace restrictions when necessary.
The latest developments come as authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged cockpit attack, which forced the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. No passengers were reported injured, and the suspect remains in Saudi custody.
Sep 30, 2026 at 01:55 PM EDT
Timeline: How the FlyDubai flight emergency unfolded
New details and flight-tracking data have shed light on the sequence of events aboard FlyDubai Flight FZ1073, the Dubai-to-Tel Aviv service that made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday following an alleged cockpit attack.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 departed Dubai International Airport at approximately 3:05 a.m. GMT (11:05 p.m. ET) with 174 passengers and six crew members on board. Roughly two hours into the journey, flight-tracking data showed irregular altitude changes before the situation rapidly escalated.
At around 5:22 a.m. GMT (1:22 a.m. ET), the aircraft suddenly dropped more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. Minutes later, a general emergency signal, known as squawk code 7700, was transmitted from the aircraft.
The alarm was elevated at about 5:38 a.m. GMT (1:38 a.m. ET) when the flight reportedly switched to squawk code 7500, the internationally recognized signal used to indicate unlawful interference or a possible hijacking.
Communications became more sporadic as the incident unfolded. Air traffic controllers reportedly lost track of the aircraft around 6:11 a.m. GMT (2:11 a.m. ET) before additional emergency signals were later received via satellite.
By 6:58 a.m. GMT (2:58 a.m. ET), the final signal placed the aircraft on the ground at Tabuk Regional Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Israeli officials later said a violent altercation occurred in the cockpit, leaving both pilots injured. The co-pilot was subsequently arrested by Saudi authorities, while all passengers and cabin crew were reported safe after the emergency landing.
Sep 30, 2026 at 01:42 PM EDT
Israel plane ‘hijacking’: Passengers capture chaotic scenes aboard flight
Sep 30, 2026 at 01:29 PM EDT
Why Israel’s airport security is among the world’s strictest
Wednesday's suspected hijacking attempt aboard a Tel Aviv-bound FlyDubai flight is likely to renew attention on Israel's extensive aviation security system, which is considered one of the most rigorous in the world.
Passengers departing from Israel typically undergo multiple layers of screening before boarding, including security interviews, document checks and advanced baggage inspections. Travelers are routinely advised to arrive several hours before departure to complete the process.
Israel's aviation security framework developed in response to decades of threats against the country's civil aviation sector, including past hijackings and attacks targeting airports and airlines. Security oversight involves coordination between the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel and the Israel Airports Authority.
Foreign airlines operating flights to and from Israel are also required to meet specific security requirements before receiving approval to serve the country.
The issue previously surfaced in relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. In 2022, the two countries resolved a dispute over airport security arrangements that had threatened air links between Israel and Dubai. The disagreement was eventually settled through a new security agreement, allowing airlines to continue operating flights between the two nations.
The latest incident involving a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv comes despite those enhanced security measures and is now under investigation by authorities in Saudi Arabia, Israel and the airline.
Sep 30, 2026 at 01:16 PM EDT
FlyDubai reported strong post-pandemic recovery
Like much of the aviation industry, FlyDubai suffered major losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The carrier has since rebounded, reporting record passenger numbers and profits as international travel demand returned.
Sep 30, 2026 at 01:03 PM EDT
Airline expanded beyond budget travel model
While Flydubai launched as a low-cost carrier, it later introduced a business-class product aimed at corporate travelers.
The premium cabins include larger seats, airport lounge access and enhanced onboard services.
Sep 30, 2026 at 12:50 PM EDT
Earlier security incident involved gunfire near Baghdad
In 2015, a Flydubai aircraft approaching Baghdad was struck by small-arms fire.
The plane landed safely and no injuries were reported, but the incident prompted the airline to temporarily suspend some Iraq services.
Sep 30, 2026 at 12:37 PM EDT
Previous fatal crash remains airline’s deadliest incident
Before Wednesday's emergency, Flydubai's most serious accident occurred in March 2016 when Flight 981 crashed while attempting to land in Russia.
All 62 people aboard were killed, making it the deadliest incident in the airline's history.
Sep 30, 2026 at 12:24 PM EDT
First widebody aircraft set to join Fleet
The airline is preparing for a new chapter in its history with the planned arrival of Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
The aircraft will mark the first widebody jets in Flydubai's fleet and are expected to expand the carrier's long-haul capabilities.
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Sep 30, 2026 at 12:11 PM EDT
Boeing orders fueled rapid expansion
Flydubai's growth has been supported by a series of major aircraft purchases.
Over the years, the carrier has signed multibillion-dollar deals with Boeing for hundreds of aircraft, including large orders for the 737 MAX family.
Sep 30, 2026 at 11:58 AM EDT
FlyDubaistarted operations in 2009
The airline was created by the Dubai government in 2008 and launched passenger service the following year.
Its first scheduled routes connected Dubai with destinations including Beirut and Amman before the network expanded across multiple continents.
Sep 30, 2026 at 11:45 AM EDT
Flight operated by Boeing 737 Max 8
The aircraft involved in the incident was a Boeing 737 MAX 8, one of the most common aircraft in Flydubai's fleet.
The carrier operates a largely Boeing 737-based fleet and was among the first airlines in the Middle East to introduce the MAX series into service.
Sep 30, 2026 at 11:32 AM EDT
Airline maintained Israel service during regional conflict
Even as many international carriers suspended flights to Israel during regional unrest, Flydubai continued operating services to Tel Aviv.
The route helped maintain air connections between Israel and the Gulf at a time when numerous international airlines had reduced or halted operations.
Sep 30, 2026 at 11:22 AM EDT
Passengers from diverted flydubai flight head home to Israel
Passengers stranded in Saudi Arabia after Wednesday's dramatic Flydubai flight incident are now en route to Tel Aviv aboard a replacement aircraft, according to flight-tracking data.
The travelers had been forced to land at Tabuk Airport after Flydubai flight FZ1073 was diverted following what Israeli officials have described as a suspected hijacking attempt involving a cockpit altercation.
Flydubai dispatched another aircraft to Saudi Arabia to collect the passengers and crew. Families waiting at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv were initially told the flight was expected to arrive at 6:15 p.m. local time, though airport arrival information later indicated a revised arrival time of approximately 6:25 p.m.
The return flight comes hours after the original Dubai-to-Tel Aviv service made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, where authorities launched an investigation. Israeli officials have said the co-pilot accused of attacking the captain was taken into custody, while the airline has said all passengers and crew were accounted for following the diversion.
Sep 30, 2026 at 11:19 AM EDT
Flydubai’s ties to Israel
Flydubai became the first airline to launch direct commercial flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv after the UAE and Israel normalized relations in 2020.
The route quickly became a key travel link between the two countries and remains one of the airline's most politically significant services.
Sep 30, 2026 at 11:06 AM EDT
What is Flydubai?
The aircraft involved in Wednesday's incident was operated by Flydubai, a Dubai-based carrier owned by the government of the United Arab Emirates.
The airline serves destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia and operates primarily from Dubai International Airport.
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Sep 30, 2026 at 10:53 AM EDT
Passenger’s mother recalls moments of panic on board
The mother of a passenger aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 described a harrowing account of the incident, saying her daughter told her the injured pilot could be heard calling for help as chaos unfolded in the cockpit.
Speaking to Reuters, Yasmin Abukasi said her daughter Miriam reported that the aircraft appeared to lose control after the alleged attack, sparking fear among passengers who believed the plane might crash.
According to Abukasi, several passengers rushed to restrain the suspect, whom they said had attacked the pilot, while blood was visible near the cockpit area.
“[Miriam] said it’s crazy, crazy time. It’s very hard to explain what’s happened there, but it was big stress. And after the plane start to go down, and they thinks they’re going to [crash] and now they land in Saudi, the people [are] in stress and shock,” she said.
Sep 30, 2026 at 10:38 AM EDT
Graphic video warning: Footage appears to show injured pilot after mid-air attack
Newly circulated video shared on social media appears to show the aftermath of the incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, including images of an injured pilot lying on the floor near the cockpit.
Warning: The footage contains graphic scenes that some viewers may find distressing.
The video, posted by journalist Ariel Oseran, is described as showing the wounded captain after he was allegedly stabbed during the flight. The footage also appears to show the co-pilot, who Israeli officials accuse of attacking the captain and attempting to seize control of the aircraft, while passengers stand watch near the cockpit area.
The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified by Newsweek.
Sep 30, 2026 at 10:25 AM EDT
What We Know About the Flight Incident So Far
Questions remain about exactly what happened aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073, but several key details have emerged from statements by officials, the airline and flight-tracking data.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 departed Dubai for Tel Aviv on Wednesday before transmitting emergency codes during the flight. Flight-tracking data reviewed by multiple news outlets showed the aircraft experienced a dramatic loss of altitude, descending more than 17,000 feet within roughly two minutes before diverting to Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia.
Flydubai has confirmed that an incident occurred in the cockpit, describing it only as an "altercation" on the flight deck. The airline said off-duty Flydubai personnel traveling onboard helped regain control, allowing the aircraft to land safely in Saudi Arabia.
According to the carrier, all passengers and crew members were accounted for after landing. Flydubai said it had dispatched replacement aircraft to Tabuk to assist travelers, while stressing that investigators have not yet determined the cause or motive behind the incident and urging against speculation while the inquiry continues.
Israeli officials have characterized the episode as a suspected hijacking attempt. Reports citing Israeli sources said the country's military scrambled fighter jets during the emergency amid concerns the aircraft could pose a broader security threat. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later said Saudi authorities had arrested the co-pilot accused of attacking the captain and were questioning him.
The incident has drawn reactions from Israeli and U.S. officials. Israeli politicians praised passengers and crew members who reportedly helped restrain the suspect, while U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee said the unfolding situation had put security officials across the region on alert before the aircraft landed safely.
Authorities have not publicly identified the suspect or announced a motive. Investigators are still working to determine how the alleged attack unfolded, whether any weapon was used, and what the co-pilot's intentions may have been.
Sep 30, 2026 at 10:12 AM EDT
Incident comes as ‘sensitive moment’
The suspected attempted hijacking incident comes "at a particularly sensitive moment for Israel," said Yaakov Katz, the former editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post.
Israel will mark the third anniversary of the 2023 October 7 attacks in a week's time, and negotiations to end the war between Iran and Israel haven't yielded an agreement, Katz told Newsweek. Israel will also hold elections in less than a month's time.
"More than anything, the incident reinforces a feeling that has defined Israeli life since October 7: that people are not safe," Katz said.
Sep 30, 2026 at 09:54 AM EDT
Netanyahu: ‘I salute these heroes’
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has released another statement in the last few minutes in which he said the pilot who carried out the stabbing has been arrested and is being questioned by the Saudi authorities.
Netanyahu said he spoke with one of the passengers who had broken into the cockpit with a crew member to overpower the suspect.
"They overpowered the pilot who had carried out the stabbing while he was attempting to sabotage the aircraft's systems," Netanyahu said.
"I salute these heroes who demonstrated extraordinary resourcefulness and courage," he added, "they saved many lives and prevented a major disaster."
Sep 30, 2026 at 09:48 AM EDT
FlyDubai Issues Statement
A FlyDubai spokesperson issued the following statement on the incident:
"An altercation occurred in the flight deck of flight FZ 1073, operating from Dubai International (DXB) to Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), on 30 September.
"The aircraft was successfully secured by on-duty FlyDubai crew travelling on the flight, who diverted and landed the aircraft safely at Tabuk Airport (TUU). All passengers and crew are safe and accounted for.
"We have deployed two replacement aircraft to Tabuk to relieve the passengers and crew.
"This incident has no impact on other scheduled operations across the FlyDubai network.
"At this early stage, the underlying reasons and motives behind this event are unknown and remain subject to a formal investigation. We urge all parties to refrain from premature speculation while authorities gather the facts.
"Our immediate priority is to ensure the ongoing safety, health, and wellbeing of all passengers and crew members involved in this incident and support the official investigation."
Sep 30, 2026 at 09:46 AM EDT
Passenger Said He Thought ‘September 11 Is Happening Again’
A passenger described how he had heard a struggle from the cockpit just before the aircraft plummeted.
The passenger, named Daniel, said he had heard "something like a fight" in the cockpit, screams, and then saw blood on the floor. "It's over. September 11 is happening again," he told Israel's Channel 12.
When the plane went into a steep dive, the passenger said there was "a very intense spin" for at least two minutes. "It felt like an eternity," he said.
Another passenger named as Miriam told Israel's i24 channel: "They opened the cockpit and saw large amounts of blood, from someone who had simply tried to murder the pilot and stabbed him with a pocketknife. Then the plane lost control."
Sep 30, 2026 at 09:39 AM EDT
Captain and Co-Pilot Hospitalized
Cluster2 Airports, which manages many of Saudi Arabia's airports including Tabuk, said that air traffic control received a distress call and landing request from the FlyDubai flight at 8:44 a.m. local time.
The airport then declared an emergency situation, and Cluster2 said the plane landed an hour later.
The captain and co-pilot both had injuries and were taken to hospital, according to the statement reported by the English-language Saudi Gazette newspaper.
Sep 30, 2026 at 09:19 AM EDT
How Incident Unfolded
Sep 30, 2026 at 09:08 AM EDT
Passenger’s Mother Describes Terrifying Call
Yasmin Abukasis, whose daughter was on the FlyDubai plane, said her daughter told her in a phone call about the scenes of panic onboard.
Speaking from Ben Gurion airport in Israel, Abukasis said her daughter described how passengers ran to a "guy who was holding a knife."
"He took a knife and tried to kill the pilot. They took his hand and put them on the floor. There was a lot of blood around," she said. "She said it's crazy... it's very hard to explain what's happened there."
Sep 30, 2026 at 08:56 AM EDT
Netanyahu Had Warned of Attacks by ‘Enemies’
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had warned that the country may face an attempted attack ahead of next month's election.
The day before the incident, Netanyahu said there were indications that ahead of the ballot which takes place on October 27 "our enemies will try to attack us."
He made the comments in a video during a visit to the Tel Nof air base, without specifying what kind of threat Israel faced. There is so far no confirmed motive for Wednesday's incident on the FlyDubai plane.
"Don't mess with us—not now, and not ever. Our long arm will reach you anywhere and at any time," Netanyahu said in Hebrew, according to The Times of Israel.
Sep 30, 2026 at 08:52 AM EDT
More Flight Disruption After Plane Emergency
Departures from Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport resumed after a temporary suspension, but live boards reviewed by Newsweek showed lingering disruption stretching well into the afternoon.
At the time of writing, Flightradar24 and the Israel Airports Authority listed a mixture of shorter delays, delays lasting several hours, and at least one cancellation.
Among the most delayed services was a TUS Airways flight U8 458 to Bologna, which moved from 9:30 a.m. to 3:09 p.m., almost five hours and 40 minutes later.
A New York service listed under the codes Aeromexico AM 7874, Delta DL 7430 and El Al LY 007 was running about five hours late.
Wizz Air flight W4 6042 to Rome was scheduled for 10:55 a.m. but departed at 3.32 p.m., a delay of about four hours and 37 minutes. Another Wizz Air service, flight W4 6406 to Milan, scheduled to arrive at 10 a.m., was shown as having landed at 12:38 p.m. at the time of writing.
An Etihad Cargo flight from Ben Gurion Airport to Abu Dhabi was also canceled. Flight EY9701, which had been scheduled to depart at 12:10 p.m., was listed as canceled on the airport’s departure board, according to flightradar24.
Sep 30, 2026 at 08:43 AM EDT
Israel’s Opposition Says Passengers Showed ‘Extraordinary Courage’
Opposition leaders in Israel have praised the Israeli passengers who reportedly intervened on the FlyDubai flight.
Democrats leader Yair Golan said that the passengers' "extraordinary resourcefulness and courage" prevented a major disaster.
Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Liberman said the passengers acted bravely in the face of "immense pressure and immediate danger."
Meanwhile, B'Yachad leader Naftali Bennett said: "Where else in the world is there a people whose citizens calmly overpower an armed attacker thousands of meters in the air as the plane is plunging."
Sep 30, 2026 at 08:38 AM EDT
Israeli Minister Says FlyDubai Flights Should Be Suspended
Israel's transportation minister Miri Regev has called for all FlyDubai flights to Israel to be suspended, it has been reported.
Regev has also asked the Civil Aviation Authority to investigate whether the United Arab Emirates violated its aviation agreement with Israel, which states that only pilots with passports from countries with diplomatic relations with Israel may land in the country, The Times of Israel reported.
The co-pilot who is reported to have stabbed the pilot is believed to be from Oman, a country with which Israel does not have diplomatic relations.
Sep 30, 2026 at 08:32 AM EDT
Benjamin Netanyahu Holds Security Briefing
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the country's defense minister Israel Katz have held a security briefing following the incident.
Netanyahu’s office said: "Following concerns over an aviation incident, Prime Minister Netanyahu held consultations on the matter and is monitoring developments.
"The incident is under control, and all measures are currently being deployed in order to return the Israeli passengers safely to Israel."
Netanyahu had claimed on Tuesday that the country had seen indications that "our enemies will try to attack us" ahead of the general election, which is set to take place on October 27.
Sep 30, 2026 at 08:25 AM EDT
Plane Damaged During Plunge
Images of the FlyDubai plane after it landed at Tabuk airport appear to show that it sustained damage during the emergency incident.
A section of the vertical stabilizer appears to be missing, according to images on social media. Arik Zer, a former Shin Bet head of flight security, said that the rapid plunge of the aircraft likely caused the damage.
Sep 30, 2026 at 08:18 AM EDT
Flight Tracking Data Reveals Plunge
Flight trackers said the plane took off from Dubai shortly after 3 a.m. UTC on Wednesday (11 p.m. ET). Just over two hours later, the plane's altitude started to fluctuate and quickly dropped by more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds, according to Flightradar24.
Roughly 10 minutes after the aircraft's altitude initially changed, the pilots sent out a 7700 squawk. This was quickly followed by a 7500 squawk, tracking information shows. This typically refers to "unlawful interference," and can sometimes be used to warn of a hijacking situation.
The plane was recorded landing at Tabuk at roughly 6:45 a.m. UTC (2:45 a.m. ET).
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