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Flydubai Flight Diverted to Tabuk After Alleged Cockpit Attack

The jet made an emergency return after sudden altitude swings and distress codes, leaving both pilots hospitalized and passengers safe as investigators probe whether one pilot tried to force a crash.

[Fadel SENNA / AFP]
Des véhicules de sécurité garés devant l'aéroport de Tabuk en Arabie saoudite, le 30 septembre 2026
Des médias et des passagers à l'aéroport de Tel Aviv le 30 septembre 2026
Image

Overview

  • A Flydubai Boeing 737 bound for Tel Aviv was diverted and landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, after an in‑flight emergency and is reported to have all passengers safe.
  • Flight‑tracking data show rapid altitude drops and that the aircraft transmitted transponder code 7700 for a general emergency and then 7500 for possible unlawful interference, triggering military and air‑traffic responses.
  • Multiple Israeli media reports and passenger accounts say a violent fight broke out in the cockpit and that one pilot allegedly tried to stab the other; Tabuk airport said both pilots were injured and taken to hospital.
  • Passengers and at least two other pilots traveling as passengers are reported to have intervened and helped bring the plane under control, and Israeli authorities arranged to repatriate passengers from Tabuk.
  • Officials in Israel and the UAE are conducting investigations and have not confirmed motive; the route’s heavy Israeli traffic, the ongoing regional war, and upcoming Israeli elections have sharpened security concerns.