Flydubai Flight FZ1073 incident Involves cockpit attack and emergency landing
On 30 September 2026 a flydubai Boeing 737 traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced a cockpit attack by the co‑pilot. The incident is being treated as a terrorist attack by authorities.
Cockpit attack
The co‑pilot, identified as 29‑year‑old Omani Hamam al‑Hammami, attacked the captain with a crash axe and also stabbed the pilot, attempting to take control of the aircraft. The UAE Attorney‑General confirmed the use of the axe, and the co‑pilot had previously planned to hijack a flight to Tel Aviv months before being hired by flydubai.
Flight path and diversion
Flydubai flight FZ1073 departed Dubai International Airport for Ben Gurion International Airport. During the incident the aircraft transmitted emergency signals, entered a rapid descent, and diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Authorities' response
UAE authorities are treating the incident as a terrorist attack, and the UAE Attorney‑General confirmed the co‑pilot’s actions.
Altitude loss figures
Flydubai said the loss was approximately 16,625 feet in just over 30 seconds.
Passenger and crew numbers
Flydubai announced that all 172 passengers and crew on board were safe. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior reported 174 passengers and eight crew members aboard the aircraft.
What's still unclear
Sources differ on the altitude lost during the descent (14,000 feet, 16,625 feet, nearly 17,000 feet) and on the number of passengers and crew (172 total versus 174 passengers and eight crew).
Analysed 8 reports from 8 sources
- aviation24.be
- aviationpros.com
- aerotime.aero
- aircargoweek.com
- aviationfile.com
- themarysue.com
- iheart.com
- ynetnews.com
- sapo.pt
- aviacionline.com
- moneycontrol.com
- jpost.com
- krmg.com
- hindustantimes.com
- wingsmagazine.com
- rosario3.com
- brisbanetimes.com.au
- independent.co.uk
- aif.ru
- bild.de
- israelnationalnews.com
- ticinonews.ch
- ktvz.com
- lapresse.it
- indiatimes.com
- tribuneindia.com
- affaritaliani.it
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