Flydubai flight diverts to Saudi Arabia following mid-air pilot altercation

On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, Flydubai flight FZ1073, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv with approximately 150 to 174 passengers on board, diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. The Boeing 737 transmitted multiple emergency signals, including those for unlawful interference, after a reported mid-air altercation between the two pilots. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 and BBC Verify confirmed a rapid altitude descent of over 17,000 feet within two minutes, during which Israeli fighter jets were scrambled as a precautionary measure.

While official statements from the Israeli prime minister’s office quickly ruled out a hijacking, passengers and media reports indicate a violent confrontation occurred. Witnesses alleged that one pilot was stabbed with a small knife, prompting passengers to intervene and assist in restraining the attacker. Flydubai confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and all passengers are accounted for, describing the event only as an “incident.” Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances of the brawl, which resulted in significant altitude fluctuations before the successful landing in Saudi Arabia.