Flydubai Flight FZ1073 diverted to Tabuk after cockpit axe attack on 30 Sept 2026

On 30 September 2026 flydubai flight FZ1073 operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv was attacked in the cockpit when the co‑pilot struck the captain with a crash axe and attempted to seize control, prompting the aircraft to divert and land safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.

The assault caused the plane to lose roughly 16,600‑17,000 feet of altitude in just over 30 seconds, descending from about 34,000 feet, while passengers and crew opened the cockpit door, helped overpower the attacker and two reserve pilots completed the emergency landing; all 172‑174 passengers and crew survived.

UAE authorities are treating the incident as a terrorist attack and investigations are being conducted by the UAE Attorney‑General, the GCAA and New Zealand Police, and a US House resolution urges a full and prompt investigation and for Saudi and UAE officials to keep the US and Israel informed.