Flydubai Flight FZ1073 attacked in cockpit en route to Tel Aviv

Flight and aircraft

Flydubai flight FZ1073 operated a Boeing 737 from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport on 30 September 2026.

The aircraft lost altitude rapidly during the incident, with reports of a loss of approximately 16,625 feet in just over 30 seconds, a plunge of more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds, and a 17,000‑foot descent.

Cockpit attack

The co‑pilot attacked the captain with a cockpit crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft.

Passengers and crew intervened, subduing the co‑pilot and allowing the second crew member to regain control.

The plane diverted and made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.

Co‑pilot background

The co‑pilot is reported to be Omani and had previously operated a flight to Tel Aviv earlier in the year, intending to hijack and crash it but deciding against it because he knew someone on board.

He was enrolled at RMIT University in Melbourne but did not complete an engineering qualification.

New Zealand Police are investigating his time in New Zealand, working with other agencies.

Australian authorities are investigating possible links to Australia.

Official responses

The UAE Attorney‑General confirmed the attack and the UAE authorities are treating the incident as a terrorist attack.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior reported the aircraft carried 174 passengers and eight crew members.

Flydubai stated that all 172 passengers and crew on board were safe.

The Transportation Ministry in Israel rejected assistance from Shin Bet and other agencies to secure foreign flights, noting 166 Israeli passengers were on board.