Dubai: Flydubai has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Israel following a physical altercation between pilots inside the cockpit of a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The Dubai-based airline said the decision was taken as a comprehensive investigation into the September 30 incident is underway.
Following Flydubai’s decision, Emirates has also cancelled its codeshare services to Tel Aviv. The move comes amid concerns related to the aviation security incident.
The incident occurred inside the cockpit of Flydubai flight FZ1073, which departed Dubai for Tel Aviv on September 30. Flydubai said the exact circumstances behind the altercation, including what triggered the confrontation and its underlying motive, have not yet been established.
Emergency Landing After Cockpit Incident
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that a security incident occurred onboard the aircraft and that an emergency landing was subsequently carried out. Some crew members sustained injuries during the confrontation inside the cockpit and were taken to a hospital in Saudi Arabia for treatment.
Other members of the crew intervened during the incident and brought the situation under control. The aircraft was subsequently landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Flydubai confirmed that all passengers and crew members onboard were safe. The airline also sent two replacement aircraft to Tabuk to transport the stranded passengers and crew members to their intended destinations.
Investigation Underway
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the events that led to the security breach onboard the aircraft.
The UAE aviation authorities and Flydubai have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and rumours until the official investigation is completed.
In the wake of the security incident, Flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel. Emirates has also cancelled its Tel Aviv codeshare services.
A decision on the resumption of flights will depend on the progress of the investigation and subsequent aviation safety assessments.
