Reports Claim Co-Pilot Stopped Attempted Dive on Flydubai FZ1073; Official Confirmation Awaited

Breaking News Update, September 30, 2026: A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv landed safely in Saudi Arabia after a violent altercation between the pilots in the cockpit, while initial Israeli media reports claimed that one pilot attempted to put the aircraft into a steep dive.

The claim that a pilot deliberately attempted to crash the aircraft, and that the co-pilot stopped him, is based on preliminary reports in Israeli media, including Channel 14. This detail has not yet been fully confirmed by authorities.

Flydubai FZ1073 flight details

Flydubai flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. The aircraft was carrying about 174 passengers, including around 150-180 Israelis and 27 children, according to the available reports.

The flight departed Dubai at around 7:05 am and was scheduled to fly to Tel Aviv.

Emergency codes transmitted

Around the time the aircraft entered Jordanian airspace, it transmitted squawk code 7700, indicating a general emergency, followed by code 7500, which indicates unlawful interference and can raise concerns about a possible hijacking.

The aircraft then suddenly changed direction and rapidly lost altitude. According to tracking data cited in reports, it descended from around 34,000 feet to approximately 16,600 feet in just two minutes before turning towards Saudi Arabia.

Reports of violent fight between pilots

Reports said a Russian-origin commander/pilot and a Ukrainian co-pilot became involved in a violent altercation inside the cockpit.

Some preliminary reports claimed that one of the pilots, possibly the Russian pilot, deliberately attempted to put the aircraft into a dive in an apparent suicide or crash attempt. According to these reports, the co-pilot intervened, took control and prevented the aircraft from crashing.

However, the claim of a deliberate crash or suicide attempt remains unconfirmed and is based on initial reporting. There has also been no reliable confirmation that passengers intervened during the incident, with reports mainly referring to the co-pilot's intervention.

Israeli fighter jets scrambled

The incident prompted the Israeli Air Force to scramble fighter jets. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz also convened an emergency security meeting.

There were initial concerns that the aircraft might have been hijacked, particularly after it transmitted the 7500 code. Israeli officials and the airline later clarified that the incident was not considered a security or terrorist event but involved an internal dispute and altercation between the pilots.

Aircraft lands safely in Tabuk

The aircraft diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely at Tabuk airport. All passengers and crew were reported safe.

The Flydubai CEO said another aircraft would be sent from Dubai to pick up the passengers and complete their journey to Tel Aviv.

The incident remains under investigation. Claims that a pilot deliberately attempted to crash the aircraft or carry out a suicide dive remain preliminary and unconfirmed, and further official confirmation is awaited.