Flydubai Flight FZ1073 cockpit attack forces diversion to Saudi Arabia

Incident on board

The Boeing 737 operating flydubai flight FZ1073 was en route from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport when the co‑pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Passengers and crew intervened, stopping the attacker and allowing the captain to regain control.

During the attack the aircraft lost altitude rapidly, with one report stating a loss of more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds and another reporting a loss of approximately 16,625 feet in just over 30 seconds.

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

Co‑pilot background

The co‑pilot 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.

He 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.

Official response

The UAE Attorney‑General confirmed the co‑pilot’s attack and the UAE authorities are treating the incident as a terrorist attack. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior reported the number of passengers and crew on board.

Passenger safety

Flydubai stated that all passengers and crew on board were safe after the emergency landing.