Flug FZ1073: Was wir zur Flydubai-Notlandung wissen – und was nicht

Flydubai Flight FZ1073 made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia en route to Israel. The aircraft transmitted a distress signal around 8:44 AM local time and touched down at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia at 9:45 AM. Approximately 180 Israelis were on board. According to Israeli TV station N12, passengers were instructed to remain seated and not disembark.

The pilots, however, were removed from the aircraft. Both were reportedly injured and taken to a hospital. Passengers reportedly experienced panic and screams onboard. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held consultations regarding the incident and is working to ensure the safe return of the Israeli passengers to their homeland.

Details remain unclear as to whether one of the pilots intentionally aimed to crash the plane. This suspicion has not yet been confirmed. The Israeli news portal 'ynet' reported that the aircraft plunged steeply into the ground. One pilot allegedly prevented the other from crashing the plane, aided by passengers. In Israel, there is growing speculation that a possible attempted terrorist attack may be at play.

Initial reports from station N12 suggested a fight between the pilot and copilot in the cockpit, resulting in one becoming unconscious. Various Israeli media reported one of the pilots striking the other with a knife. However, this has not been officially confirmed. The backgrounds of the pilot and copilot are unclear. Station N12 stated they are of Russian and Ukrainian origin respectively, while 'ynet' claims the suspect copilot is actually from Oman.

The Russian General Consulate in Dubai stated the reports of a Russian pilot do not match the facts.

One pilot reportedly sustained a stabbing injury. It remains unclear if this will have any legal consequences for him. The fate of the Israeli passengers remains uncertain. They are waiting for their return journey home, but it is unclear what role Saudi Arabian authorities will play in their transportation. Since Israel and Saudi Arabia do not have diplomatic relations, it is unclear whether they will be brought back by a replacement aircraft or by the Israeli Air Force.