Horror on Dubai‑Tel Aviv Flight: Pilots Fought

Flydubai's Boeing 737 aircraft, registration FZ1073, took off from Dubai bound for Tel Aviv on Wednesday, September 30. After the incident on board, emergency signals were sent and the aircraft changed course toward Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The airline announced that all passengers on the aircraft were safe and the situation had been brought under control.

The Aircraft Plunged Thousands of Meters at Speed

According to flight‑tracking data, FZ1073 experienced significant altitude changes about two and a half hours after departing from Dubai. Flightradar24 data shows the aircraft descended roughly 14,000 feet, or 4,267 meters, in less than 30 seconds. The plane then climbed again and performed a second steep descent.

Emergency Codes Were Activated

The aircraft first signaled a general emergency using code 7700. Shortly thereafter, the transponder code was switched to 7500. In aviation, code 7500 indicates unlawful interference with the aircraft. The aircraft then reverted to code 7700 and requested an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.

Fight Between Pilots in the Cockpit

In the early stage of the incident, Israeli officials reported that a physical fight occurred between two pilots on the aircraft. Flydubai, meanwhile, said that an 'incident' took place during the flight and that the aircraft was diverted to Tabuk as a result. The airline did not initially disclose the details of the incident.

Heavier Allegation from Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a later statement, said that the co‑pilot had attacked the captain with a knife and attempted to bring down the aircraft. Netanyahu claimed that some passengers and a crew member entered the cockpit and disabled the co‑pilot. However, it was reported that no independent verification of the cause or the alleged attack exists.

Passengers Intervened in the Cockpit

It was reported that some passengers entered the cockpit after realizing the aircraft had begun to lose control. Passenger Dalia Shpigel, in a statement to the Israeli press, said that some passengers who saw the plane go into a dive moved into the cockpit. A relative of another passenger recounted that his daughter heard screams on the aircraft and that a great panic ensued.

Two Pilots Taken to Hospital

After the aircraft landed in Tabuk, the captain and the co‑pilot were taken to a hospital with injuries; Tabuk Airport officials said both pilots were placed under medical care. It was reported that after the plane touched down safely, the passengers were reported to be fine.

Israel Warplanes Were Mobilized

The emergency signals also triggered a response from Israel's command. Israel, while evaluating the aircraft's safety during the incident, also placed warplanes on standby. It was disclosed that Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir convened a review with senior military officials on the matter.

Aircraft Landed Safely in Tabuk

FZ1073 landed in Dubai at 03:05 GMT. According to flight tracking data, altitude changes began around 05:21 GMT, a rapid descent of approximately 14,000 feet occurred at 05:22 GMT. At 05:31 GMT the transponder code 7700 was used, and at 05:38 GMT code 7500 was used. The aircraft landed in Tabuk at 06:45 GMT.

Passengers Were Returned to Israel

A new flight was arranged to transport the passengers who landed safely in Tabuk to Israel. Later that day, the Flydubai aircraft carrying passengers from FZ1073 reached Ben Gurion Airport. Footage showed the passengers being brought to Israel in the afternoon local time.

Incorrect Information About the Second Flydubai Flight

After the incident, reports emerged that a second Flydubai flight on the Dubai–Tel Aviv route had also changed its course. However, it was reported that the second aircraft, numbered FZ1081, did not return and continued its flight toward Tel Aviv without issuing any emergency signal. The error in the initial reports was said to stem from a technical problem on flight‑tracking sites.

The Cause of the Incident Remains Unclear

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu claimed that the incident was linked to an attack among pilots and that the aircraft was being brought down. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also said that early information suggested the plane might have been deliberately targeted for downing. In contrast, the results of the investigation into the motive and nature of the attack have not yet been released.

Netanyahu’s Pre‑Election Statements Sparked Debate

The incident also became a subject of political debate before the elections planned for October 27 in Israel. Opposition leader Yair Lapid opposed linking the incident on the plane with the security warning issued by Netanyahu a day earlier. Lapid said that a similar threat concerning aircraft had not been raised in the security briefing given to him.

Dubai‑Tel Aviv Route Heavily Used

Flydubai operates daily round‑trip flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv. After the United Arab Emirates and Israel normalized relations in 2020, the route began to be heavily used by Israeli passengers. There is no official diplomatic relationship between Saudi Arabia and Israel.