flydubai suspends flights to Israel after FZ1073 'security incident'

Dubai-based airline flydubai has suspended its flights to and from Israel following a security incident involving flight FZ1073. The airline made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that the suspension would remain in place while an ongoing investigation continues. Flydubai emphasized that passenger, crew, and operational safety are their top priorities and urged all parties to refrain from premature speculation while the facts are being established.

The incident occurred on a flight from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv on September 30. According to flydubai, an altercation took place in the flight deck of FZ1073, which was subsequently secured by the crew and diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. All passengers and crew members are accounted for and safe.

Emirates, Dubai's flagship carrier, also suspended its code share flights to Tel Aviv following the incident at flydubai. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the United Arab Emirates confirmed the security incident, stating that the aircraft experienced a diversion due to an altercation in the flight deck, resulting in some crew members being injured and taken to a hospital in Saudi Arabia.

The GCAA is conducting its own investigation into the incident, examining both operational and security aspects, and urged the public not to circulate unofficial information or pre-empt the investigation's findings.