flydubai controversies

Saudi Arabia launches air safety investigation into FlyDubai flight FZ1073 cockpit attack

Investigation

Saudi Arabia has launched an air accident safety investigation under international rules into FlyDubai flight FZ1073, which was in Saudi airspace when the co-pilot attacked the captain with an axe. A UAE-led criminal investigation is proceeding separately, and an NTSB representative has joined the safety probe. It remains unclear whether Saudi investigators will publish their findings.

Stated objective. To carry out a safety investigation under international rules into flight FZ1073

Israeli officials say flydubai co-pilot planned attack before joining airline

Safety incident

According to a Reuters report, two Israeli officials stated that a flydubai co-pilot had planned an attack before joining the airline. The officials' claim, as cited by Reuters, concerns the co-pilot's activities prior to their employment with flydubai. No further details about the alleged plan, its target, or its outcome were provided in the report.

Two Israeli officials said, as reported by Reuters, that a flydubai co-pilot had planned an attack before joining the airline.

UAE-led investigation into Flydubai FZ1073 cockpit attack proceeds, with Israeli investigators taking part

Investigation

On Saturday, 3 October 2026, UAE Prosecutor General Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said investigations into the Flydubai FZ1073 cockpit attack were ongoing, to determine the circumstances of the incident, the motives and any related connections, and to examine physical and digital evidence. His comments were the first by Emirati authorities to describe the incident as an attempted 'terrorist' attack. An Israeli government official said Israeli investigators would take part alongside Emirati authorities in the UAE-led investigation.

Israel to get to the 'root' of co-pilot in foiled flydubai flight crash attempt

Investigation

A controversy involving flydubai arose after a co-pilot's attempt to crash a flight was foiled. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would get to the 'root' of the co-pilot involved. The incident and Netanyahu's remark drew attention to the foiled attempt and the ensuing investigation pledge.

Following a co-pilot's foiled bid to crash a flydubai flight, Netanyahu said Israel will get to the 'root' of the co-pilot involved.

Attack involving flydubai

Safety incident

An attack involving the airline flydubai was reported, referred to as the "flydubai attack." Israel vowed to get to the "root" of the attack, and the UAE launched an investigation into the incident. The source does not specify the nature, location, or date of the attack.

Flydubai FZ1073 co-pilot attacks pilot with crash axe and attempts to take control of aircraft

Safety incident

On Wednesday, 30 September 2026, the co-pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073, travelling from the UAE to Israel, attacked the pilot with a crash axe inside the cockpit and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Passengers and crew subdued the co-pilot, and a reserve Flydubai pilot on board took control and landed the aircraft, which carried more than 170 passengers and crew, at Tabuk airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where Saudi authorities detained the co-pilot. The UAE prosecutor general subsequently described the act as an attempted 'terrorist' attack, and a source identified the co-pilot as Omani national Hammam al-Hammami, an identity UAE authorities did not immediately confirm.

flydubai flight FZ1073 diverted to Saudi Arabia after in-flight pilot stabbing incident

Safety incident

flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv transmitted a general emergency signal and another emergency signal indicating possible unlawful interference and diverted to Tabuk airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia on September 30, 2026. Two Israeli officials said the co-pilot was believed to have stabbed the captain before cabin crew entered the cockpit and took control of the plane, and that Israel's current assessment is that the incident was an attempted 'terror attack'. Saudi Arabia's Tabuk airport said both pilots had been hospitalised after sustaining injuries; the airline said the flight landed safely and all passengers were safe and accounted for.

UAE says Omani flydubai co-pilot planned suicide attack on Tel Aviv flight

Issue disclosure

According to the United Arab Emirates, an Omani co-pilot employed by the airline flydubai planned a suicide attack on a flight to Tel Aviv. The claim was reported as a controversy involving the Dubai-based carrier. The statement identifies the individual by nationality and role but provides no further details about the alleged plot, its timing, or its outcome. The report is attributed to UAE authorities and centers on the assertion that the co-pilot intended to carry out the attack on a Tel Aviv-bound flight.

According to the UAE, an Omani flydubai co-pilot planned a suicide attack on a Tel Aviv flight.