Flydubai Suspends Tel Aviv Flights After Cockpit Scuffle, Captain Returns to UAE

DUBAI, Oct 2: Flydubai has temporarily suspended all flights to Tel Aviv until further notice at the request of authorities following a cockpit incident aboard flight FZ1073, which was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, the airline's CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said Friday.

Al Ghaith said all 172 passengers and crew aboard the Dubai-Tel Aviv flight are safe and receiving support, while the injured captain has returned to the UAE after receiving medical clearance. He praised the captain, other pilots, cabin crew and passengers who helped secure the aircraft and enable its safe landing in Tabuk, and thanked Saudi and UAE authorities for their response. Flydubai said an altercation occurred in the flight deck and that crew members secured the aircraft before diverting it safely. A full official investigation is underway.

The UAE Attorney-General has ordered a specialized investigation into the incident, including its circumstances and motives and whether it was connected to terrorist activity or intent, prior planning or direction. UAE authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation and rely on official information until the investigation is completed