Key facts
- Flydubai flight FZ 1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
- Passengers reported a struggle in the cockpit, with one pilot allegedly attempting to crash the plane.
- Relief pilots and passengers intervened to stabilize the aircraft.
- The aircraft descended from 10,000 meters to 5,100 meters in less than two minutes.
- The alleged assailant pilot was arrested upon landing.
- Flydubai stated an altercation occurred but urged against speculation.
Flydubai flight FZ 1073, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was forced to make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday after a violent incident in the cockpit. The aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX, abruptly descended thousands of meters shortly after takeoff, transmitting emergency and hijack signals before landing erratically.
Passengers recounted scenes of terror, with footage showing injured individuals, including a pilot in uniform, on the cabin floor. Accounts suggest a struggle between the pilots, with one allegedly attempting to crash the plane. Passengers and off-duty pilots reportedly intervened to regain control of the aircraft.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that one of the pilots had intended to crash the plane, but passengers and crew prevented a "major disaster." He confirmed the alleged assailant was arrested. However, flydubai issued a statement acknowledging an "altercation" but urged against premature speculation, emphasizing that the motives are unknown and under investigation.
Investigators are expected to examine pilot vetting procedures and how the cockpit was accessed. Aviation security experts noted that while there are safeguards for cockpit entry in emergencies, the exact circumstances of how the flight deck was breached on FZ 1073 are unclear.