NAIROBI, Kenya- Flydubai has suspended flights to and from Israel following an incident aboard a Tel Aviv-bound aircraft that forced an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, September 30.
The airline said the suspension was agreed with the relevant authorities and would remain in place while investigations continue.
“Following the incident involving flight FZ 1073 on 30 September, and in coordination with the relevant authorities, flydubai flights to and from Israel will be suspended while the investigation continues,” the airline said.
Flydubai had been operating 10 daily flights between Dubai International Airport and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport, according to flight-tracking service Flightradar24.
Aircraft diverted to Saudi Arabia
Flight FZ1073 was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when an altercation occurred on the flight deck, according to the airline.
Flydubai said crew members travelling aboard secured the aircraft and diverted it to Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. The airline subsequently deployed replacement aircraft to assist those on board.
The United Arab Emirates’ General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that the aircraft had experienced a security incident.
Some crew members were injured and taken to hospital in Saudi Arabia, the regulator said. Its investigators are examining the circumstances, including operational and security issues.
Israeli officials allege attempt to crash aircraft
Israeli officials said the co-pilot stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft before passengers and crew intervened.
According to Reuters, the officials said another pair of flydubai pilots travelling aboard took control and landed the aircraft safely. The motive remained under investigation.
Passengers later arrived at Ben Gurion Airport aboard a replacement aircraft.
The UAE regulator has not issued final findings on the cause of the incident. It urged the public to avoid circulating unofficial information or anticipating the investigation’s conclusions.
Emirates also suspends codeshare services
Emirates has also suspended its codeshare operations with flydubai to and from Tel Aviv until further notice.
The airline said passengers whose final destination was Tel Aviv would not be accepted for travel at their point of departure. Customers already travelling would receive assistance.
Affected passengers were advised to contact their booking agent or Emirates for updates and alternative arrangements.
Flydubai said it would review its suspension as more information became available and was working to support customers whose journeys had been disrupted.
“We apologise to passengers whose travel plans have been affected and are working to provide support and alternative arrangements where possible,” a spokesperson said.
