flydubai 737 MAX diverts following cockpit altercation

A flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv declared an emergency and diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia on 30th September, with a hijacking reportedly ruled out.

flydubai flight FZ1073 was operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8, according to flight-tracking data. The aircraft initially transmitted squawk code 7700, the international emergency signal, before later transmitting code 7500, which is used to indicate a hijacking or unlawful interference.

The aircraft’s transmission of the 7500 signal prompted Israeli Air Force fighter jets to scramble, according to Israeli security sources cited in the report.

Various media reports said there were 174 people on board the aircraft, including 27 children. The suspected co-pilot is of Omani origin, while the captain is reportedly of Indian origin and was allegedly stabbed by the co-pilot during the incident.

The co-pilot also reportedly attempted to put the Boeing 737 MAX into a steep dive. flydubai flight FZ1073 departed Dubai at 03:05 UTC and climbed to a cruising altitude of 34,000 feet, according to Flightradar24. At 05:21 UTC, the flight began a steep descent, followed by a sharp ascent and another steep descent. By 05:33 UTC, the aircraft had settled at an altitude of approximately 15,000 feet. Its altitude continued to oscillate around 15,000 feet, while its ground speed varied significantly for the remainder of the flight.

The aircraft landed safely at Saudi Arabia’s Tabuk Airport. However, the aircraft reportedly sustained damage to its tail section, particularly the rudder, which was likely caused by the rapid descent.

The captain and co-pilot were taken to the hospital for treatment after sustaining injuries. Passengers were provided assistance at the terminal, while the airport and flydubai coordinated a replacement aircraft to continue their journey.

In a statement, flydubai said the aircraft was successfully secured by the on-duty flydubai crew travelling on board. The crew diverted the flight and landed the aircraft safely at Tabuk Airport.

“An altercation occurred in the flight deck of flight FZ 1073, operating from Dubai International (DXB) to Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), on 30 September. The aircraft was successfully secured by on-duty flydubai crew travelling on the flight, who diverted and landed the aircraft safely at Tabuk Airport (TUU). All passengers and crew are safe and accounted for.

We have deployed two replacement aircraft to Tabuk to relieve the passengers and crew.

This incident has no impact on other scheduled operations across the flydubai network. At this early stage, the underlying reasons and motives behind this event are unknown and remain subject to a formal investigation. We urge all parties to refrain from premature speculation while authorities gather the facts.

Our immediate priority is to ensure the ongoing safety, health, and wellbeing of all passengers and crew members involved in this incident and support the official investigation,” a flydubai spokesperson said, as reported by Flightradar24.

According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as reported by Reuters, the co-pilot stabbed the captain and then attempted to crash the aircraft. Passengers subsequently restrained him, while other pilots took control of the aircraft and landed it safely in Saudi Arabia.