Jakarta, ThedailyID — A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted to Saudi Arabia after its pilots reportedly became involved in a physical altercation during the journey.
The incident involved Flydubai flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 carrying around 150 passengers. The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, September 30.
An Israeli official told Reuters that the pilots got into a physical fight during the flight. The aircraft then transmitted emergency signals before changing course toward Saudi Arabia.
Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft sent a general emergency signal. It later transmitted another signal indicating possible unlawful interference.
The aircraft also reportedly descended almost 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds before sending the first emergency signal.
Israeli media reported that passengers heard screams coming from the cockpit. One passenger reportedly told Channel 12 that passengers saw blood after the cockpit door opened.
The passenger also claimed that one pilot had been attacked with a folding knife. Reuters said it could not independently verify the passenger’s account or a photo reportedly showing blood on a passenger’s shirt.
The emergency signals initially raised concerns about a possible hijacking. However, an Israeli Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson said the incident was not believed to be a hijacking.
Flydubai confirmed that the aircraft experienced an “incident” while flying to Tel Aviv. The airline said the plane diverted to Tabuk and landed safely, with all passengers accounted for.
It remains unclear whether either pilot intentionally transmitted the emergency signals. Authorities and the airline have not publicly provided further details about what caused the confrontation.
The incident triggered a significant security response because the aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia, which does not have formal diplomatic relations with Israel.
