UAE Suspends All Iranian Airline Flights Following US Aviation Sanctions

Update — October 4, 2026 5:11 AM CST: Investigations into an incident aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv concluded that the co-pilot attempted to carry out a terrorist act, according to UAE Attorney-General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi. The co-pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe inside the cockpit before crew members intervened. The aircraft diverted safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and Flydubai has suspended flights to and from Israel.

Update — October 4, 2026 5:11 AM CST: The UAE attorney-general announced that a co-pilot aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 attempted to carry out a terrorist act by attacking the captain with a crash axe. The flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, carrying 174 people. Following the incident, Flydubai suspended flights to and from Israel while authorities continue their investigation.

Update — October 4, 2026 5:11 AM CST: Investigations into an incident aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 revealed that the co-pilot attempted to carry out a terrorist act by attacking the captain with a crash axe. The flight carrying 174 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after crew intervened. Flydubai subsequently suspended flights to and from Israel as authorities examine physical and digital evidence.

Update — October 4, 2026 5:10 AM CST: UAE authorities reported that a co-pilot aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 used a crash axe to attack the captain in an attempted terrorist act. The Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight carrying 174 people diverted safely to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after crew intervened. Flydubai subsequently suspended flights to and from Israel while investigations continue.

Update — October 2, 2026 4:23 AM CST: The UAE Attorney-General has ordered a formal probe into a cockpit attack aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Investigators are examining all circumstances and potential motives, including whether the incident was premeditated or linked to terrorist activity. Following the disruption, Flydubai has temporarily suspended flights between Dubai and Israel while inquiries proceed.

Update — October 1, 2026 4:13 PM CST: The UAE prosecutor general has ordered an investigation into an incident involving diverted Flydubai flight FZ 1073, the state news agency reported on Thursday. The flight was diverted from its route following an unspecified mid-air incident. Legal authorities have launched a formal probe into the circumstances.

Update — September 26, 2026 8:11 AM CST: The UAE has suspended all flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the country following increased US sanctions pressure on Iran's aviation sector. The measure took effect on Thursday under a directive from the General Civil Aviation Authority. The move impacts major transit routes through Dubai and coincides with UAE central bank restrictions on Iran's Bank Melli.