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Cluster2 Airports reported that all passengers aboard the diverted flydubai flight have now departed Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk on a replacement aircraft that took off at 5:40 p.m. local time. The operator, which manages 22 regional airports across the kingdom, shared the update through its official account on X following coordination with the airline. Passengers received assistance in the terminal throughout the day while authorities arranged for their onward travel to Tel Aviv.
The Dubai to Tel Aviv service issued a distress call that air traffic controllers at the Tabuk facility received at 8:44 a.m., prompting an immediate emergency declaration. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 landed safely at 9:45 a.m., according to the airport operator. Both the captain and first officer sustained injuries during the incident and received prompt medical attention at a local hospital.
Flydubai said in a statement that an altercation occurred in the flight deck of flight FZ 1073 operating from Dubai International to Ben Gurion International Airport on September 30. The aircraft was successfully secured by on-duty flydubai crew travelling on the flight who diverted and landed safely at Tabuk Airport. All passengers and crew are safe and accounted for, the carrier added while noting that two replacement aircraft had been deployed.
Flightradar24 data showed the aircraft transmitting the 7700 emergency squawk before switching to 7500, the code for unlawful interference, and then returning to 7700 as it neared Tabuk for landing. The flight departed Dubai at 03:05 UTC and the last ADS-B signals confirmed a safe touchdown shortly before 07:00 UTC. Israeli media outlets reported that the development prompted fighter jets to scramble in response to the initial uncertainty.
The airline stressed in its announcement that the event has no impact on other scheduled operations across the flydubai network. At this early stage the underlying reasons and motives remain unknown and are subject to a formal investigation, according to the carrier which urged all parties to avoid premature speculation. Saudi authorities worked closely with the airline to facilitate passenger care and the rapid provision of the replacement jet.
Many of those on board were Israeli citizens who had been waiting in the terminal after the pilots were taken for treatment. The resolution allowed them to continue their journey without further delay once the second aircraft arrived from Dubai. Operational coordination between Saudi airport staff and the carrier ensured the smooth transfer despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
