Reports of second Flydubai flight turning back to Tel Aviv prove erroneous

DUBAI, Sept 30: Reports that a second Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv turned back on Wednesday were incorrect, with the aircraft continuing toward its destination as scheduled, according to updated reports.

Flight FZ1081 was initially reported by Israeli media as having reversed course while en route to Tel Aviv. However, subsequent information indicated that the apparent change in its flight path was caused by a glitch in flight-tracking data. The aircraft did not transmit an emergency signal and continued on its normal route to Tel Aviv.

The confusion came hours after another Flydubai flight, FZ1073, operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv, made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia following an incident on board. Flydubai confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and that all passengers were accounted for. Saudi airport authorities said the captain and first officer were injured and taken to hospital.

Israeli and international reports have provided differing accounts of the FZ1073 incident. Reuters reported that Israeli officials suspect the first officer allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft, while investigations into the circumstances remain ongoing.