Saudi Arabia

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.

Industry News

Gulf Producers Restore Crude Exports as Iranian Shipments Stagnate, Kpler Data Shows

Tanker-tracking data from Kpler indicates that fresh Iranian crude loadings ground to a halt in September amid blockade pressures. In contrast, oil shipments from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other regional producers rebounded sharply, supported by alternative pipelines, ship-to-ship transfers, and naval escorts. Regional crude exports averaged 16.5 million barrels per day in September before surging to 19.5 million barrels per day in the final week.

Industry News

Oil Exceeds $100 as China Restricts Fuel Exports and Gulf Logistics Shift

Brent crude futures traded above $102 per barrel on October 2, 2026, amid Chinese refined fuel export suspensions and evolving Gulf shipping dynamics. China paused exports ahead of Golden Week to safeguard domestic stockpiles, while Saudi Arabia resumed loadings at Yanbu.