Travel alert

Middle East Travel Alerts

Flydubai Suspends Israel Flights Following In-Flight Attack on Dubai-Tel Aviv Service

Flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to and from Israel after a co-pilot attacked the flight captain aboard flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, forcing an emergency diversion to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Passengers and a reserve crew overpowered the assailant, allowing the plane carrying over 170 people to land safely. The UAE has launched an official investigation into the incident while authorities urged the public to avoid speculation.

Middle East Travel Alerts

Initial Saudi Probe Finds Co-Pilot Assaulted Captain on Diverted flydubai Flight FZ1073

A preliminary investigation conducted by Saudi authorities alongside UAE security personnel found that the co-pilot of flydubai Flight FZ1073 assaulted the captain, injuring both individuals. The aircraft diverted to Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, landing safely with 174 passengers and eight crew members. Following medical treatment in Tabuk, both pilots were cleared and transferred to Abu Dhabi.

Middle East Travel Alerts

EASA Advises Airlines to Avoid Parts of Saudi Airspace Through November 16

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior confirmed that Flydubai flight FZ1073 diverted to Tabuk on September 30 due to a cockpit altercation. All 174 passengers received care and departed for Tel Aviv on a replacement aircraft. The injured pilots were treated locally before transfer to Abu Dhabi on October 1.

Middle East Travel Alerts

Flydubai Dispatches Replacement Aircraft to Tabuk Following In-Flight Emergency Diversion

On September 30, 2026, Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, following an in-flight cockpit struggle. Flydubai dispatched a replacement aircraft to evacuate the stranded passengers, though some travelers initially hesitated to reboard the carrier. Tabuk airport authorities later confirmed that all passengers departed Saudi Arabia for their final destination.