Updates on FZ 1073 DXB-TLV on 30 September 2026

Statement 4 - To be attributed to flydubai Chief Executive Officer, Ghaith Al Ghaith

On 30 September, flydubai flight FZ 1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, following a safety incident in the flight deck.

I am relieved to confirm that all 172 passengers and crew on board are safe and being cared for. This includes our Captain, who has now returned to the UAE following medical clearance. We will continue to provide everyone affected with the support they need.

I want to express my deep gratitude to our Captain, the pilots who secured the aircraft and landed it safely, as well as our cabin crew. I extend our sincere gratitude to the passengers on board who assisted our crew during a challenging situation.

On behalf of everyone at flydubai, I extend my sincere thanks to the authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their swift and professional response. I also thank the UAE authorities and relevant stakeholders for their support in helping our customers and crew return home.

At the request of the authorities, we have temporarily suspended operations to Tel Aviv until further notice. ​ Our teams are working around the clock to support disrupted passengers and help them reach their final destinations.

I know there are many questions about what happened on board FZ 1073. A full official investigation, led by the relevant authorities and fully supported by flydubai, is underway. It is important that we allow this process to establish the facts.

We are deeply grateful that everyone on board FZ 1073 is safe, and for the continued support of our customers, our people and our industry partners.

Safety is, and always will be, our highest priority.

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Statement 3 - To be attributed to a flydubai spokesperson

Following the incident involving flight FZ 1073 on 30 September, and in coordination with the relevant authorities, flydubai flights to and from Israel will be suspended while the investigation continues.

The safety and wellbeing of our passengers, crew and operations remain our highest priority. This temporary suspension will allow the relevant authorities to continue their work and establish all the facts surrounding the incident.

We are fully committed to supporting the ongoing investigation and maintaining the highest safety standards across our network. We remain in close coordination with government authorities, regulators and airport stakeholders and will review the suspension as more information becomes available.

We apologise to passengers whose travel plans have been affected and are working to provide support and alternative arrangements where possible.

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Statement 2 - To be attributed to a flydubai spokesperson

An altercation occurred in the flight deck of flight FZ 1073, operating from Dubai International (DXB) to Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), on 30 September.

The aircraft was successfully secured by on-duty flydubai crew travelling on the flight, who diverted and landed the aircraft safely at Tabuk Airport (TUU). All passengers and crew are safe and accounted for.

We have deployed two replacement aircraft to Tabuk to relieve the passengers and crew.

This incident has no impact on other scheduled operations across the flydubai network.

At this early stage, the underlying reasons and motives behind this event are unknown and remain subject to a formal investigation. We urge all parties to refrain from premature speculation while authorities gather the facts.

Our immediate priority is to ensure the ongoing safety, health, and wellbeing of all passengers and crew members involved in this incident and support the official investigation.

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Statement 1 - To be attributed to a flydubai spokesperson

flydubai can confirm that flight FZ 1073 operating from Dubai International (DXB) to Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) on 30 September experienced an incident while en route. The aircraft has landed safely in Tabuk Airport (TUU) and all passengers are safe and accounted for. The safety and wellbeing of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority.

Our teams are working closely with the relevant authorities. Further updates will be issued as additional confirmed details become available.