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Cockpit clash forces distress signal on Dubai‑to‑Tel Aviv flight

newsSep 30, 202640217

A Flydubai flight from Dubai bound for Tel Aviv diverted and made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after crew members reported a violent altercation in the cockpit, Israeli officials said. Passengers told Israeli outlets the clash left one crew member bleeding from a stab wound and that other passengers helped subdue the attacker. The aircraft issued a hijacking/distress signal, prompting Israeli and Saudi fighter jets to scramble amid fears of a hijacking. Reports give the passenger count as roughly 160 to 180 people on board and list the flight variously as FZ1073 and FZ1081 in early tracking; flight-tracking services briefly showed diversions before the aircraft landed. Flight data and multiple outlets described a rapid, large descent before the situation was brought under control. The plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia and authorities from the countries involved opened inquiries into the incident.

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