Flydubai suspends Israel flights after cockpit incident

Flydubai suspended all flights to and from Israel on Wednesday after an altercation in the flight deck of flight FZ 1073, which was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

The suspension will remain in place while the investigation continues, according to Khaleej Times.

Why did flydubai suspend Israel flights?

Flydubai suspended the flights so the relevant authorities can continue their work and establish all the facts about the incident on flight FZ 1073. The decision was made in coordination with those authorities. The airline said it will review the suspension as more information becomes available.

What happened on flydubai flight FZ 1073?

The flight was operating from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV). The altercation took place in the flight deck, the airline said earlier.

On-duty flydubai crew traveling on the flight secured the aircraft. They diverted it to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. All passengers and crew were reported safe and accounted for.

How did flydubai respond after the diversion?

The airline sent two replacement aircraft to Tabuk. It said the incident had no impact on other scheduled operations across its network.

A spokesperson said safety and the wellbeing of passengers and crew remain the airline's highest priority. The temporary suspension will allow the authorities to do their work, the spokesperson added.

Flydubai said it is fully committed to supporting the investigation and maintaining the highest safety standards. It remains in close coordination with government authorities, regulators and airport stakeholders.

The airline apologized to passengers whose travel plans were affected. It is working to provide support and alternative arrangements where possible.