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Dubai-based budget airline flydubai has suspended flights to and from Israel following an incident involving its FZ1073 service from Dubai to Tel Aviv, the airline said on Wednesday.
“Following the incident involving flight FZ1073 on 30 September, and in coordination with the relevant authorities, flydubai flights to and from Israel will be suspended while the investigation continues,” a company spokesperson said in a statement.
The airline said the temporary suspension would enable authorities to continue their investigation and “establish all the facts surrounding the incident”. Flydubai added that the safety and wellbeing of its passengers, crew and operations remained its highest priority.
Emergency landing in Tabuk
Flight FZ1073, carrying 174 passengers, made an emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in the northwestern Saudi city of Tabuk after an altercation occurred in the cockpit.
Flydubai said its crew secured the aircraft and diverted it safely to Saudi Arabia. Airport officials reported that both the captain and first officer were injured and taken to hospital. All passengers and crew were reported safe and accounted for.
Investigation under way
Saudi Arabia’s National Transport Safety Center said its safety investigation team had begun examining the incident in coordination with relevant authorities. The investigation will assess aviation safety aspects and collect related information and evidence.
Flydubai said it remained in close contact with government authorities, regulators and airport stakeholders and would review the suspension as more information became available. The airline apologized to affected passengers and said it was working to provide support and alternative arrangements where possible.
The passengers later left Tabuk aboard an alternative aircraft provided by flydubai.
