Israel-bound flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after ‘violent incident’ between pilots, tell me about this news in (https://www.cnn.com/2026/09/30/world/live-news/dubai-israel-plane-flydubai-intl)

A Flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted and forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia following a violent physical altercation between its pilots.

ITVX

Key details from the reporting:

• The Incident: Flydubai Flight FZ 1073 was en route over northwestern Saudi Arabia when a violent dispute erupted inside the cockpit. Flight tracking data indicated the aircraft rapidly plunged about 17,400 feet in just over two minutes.

  ITVX+ 1

• Emergency Signal & Diversion: An emergency squawk code was broadcast from the aircraft at around 8:32 a.m. local time (1:32 a.m. ET). The plane subsequently diverted and safely touched down at Tabuk Regional Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia.

  ITVX

• Passenger and Crew Accounts: Passengers reported hearing screams and chaotic commotion from the front of the aircraft, with reports indicating that Israeli passengers and cabin crew rushed to intervene and help restrain an attacker. Initial accounts suggest one of the pilots sustained serious injuries during the brawl.

  The Indian Express+ 1

• Official Responses:

  • Israeli security officials confirmed the incident was an internal personnel altercation rather than a hijacking or terrorist act.

    The Indian Express

  • The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced that the situation was brought under control and that coordinated efforts were underway to safely repatriate the Israeli passengers.

    The Indian Express

  • A Flydubai spokesperson confirmed that the flight experienced an in-flight incident, diverted to Tabuk, and that all passengers were accounted for and safe.

    ITVX