Flydubai FZ1073 Pilots Injured After Emergency Landing in Saudi Arabia

Two pilots were injured and taken to hospital after Flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was diverted to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, September 30, following a security incident on board.

The Boeing 737-8 MAX was operating from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport when the incident occurred. The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia after issuing emergency signals. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said some crew members were injured and taken to a hospital for medical care. It also said an investigation into the incident was continuing.

Flydubai confirmed that FZ1073 experienced an incident while en route and said all passengers were safe and accounted for after the aircraft landed at Tabuk. The airline said it was working with relevant authorities and would provide further updates as confirmed information became available.

Israeli officials and international media later reported that the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Reuters reported that the plane descended sharply during the incident before passengers and crew intervened. The exact circumstances and motive remain under investigation.

The captain has been identified by multiple reports as Indian pilot Smit Machchhar. Reuters and AP reported that he was seriously injured during the incident and was receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia. The official GCAA statement did not identify the pilots or provide individual medical details.

The flight landed safely at Tabuk Airport, where the injured crew members were taken for medical treatment. The aircraft had transmitted emergency signals while en route, prompting the diversion to Saudi Arabia.

According to Reuters and AP, other pilots travelling on the aircraft helped take control and land the plane after the cockpit incident. The GCAA said its investigation teams were working with relevant authorities to establish the causes and circumstances of the incident, including its operational and security aspects.

The investigation into the Flydubai FZ1073 incident is continuing. The GCAA urged the public not to circulate unofficial information or draw conclusions before the findings are released.

Flydubai also suspended flights to and from Israel while authorities investigate the incident. The airline said the temporary suspension would remain in place while the investigation continues.