Flydubai thanks Saudi Arabia for swift response after FZ1073 incident
Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith praised Saudi authorities for their rapid, professional response after flight FZ1073 was diverted to Tabuk due to a cockpit incident.
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Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of Flydubai, has expressed gratitude to the relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia for their swift and professional response after the airline’s flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to land at Tabuk Airport. He confirmed that the flight reached its alternate destination under exceptional circumstances following a security incident in the cockpit.
In an update published by the official Dubai Media Office, Al Ghaith said the flight was en route from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport on September 30, 2026, when it was rerouted to land at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
He added: “On behalf of Flydubai, I extend my sincere thanks to the relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia for their rapid and professional response in these exceptional circumstances.”
Al Ghaith also thanked authorities and all concerned parties in the UAE for supporting passengers and crew during their safe return to the country, affirming that Flydubai continues to provide full support to those affected.
He noted that all 172 passengers and crew members on board were safe, and that the aircraft captain had returned to the UAE after undergoing the necessary medical evaluation.
The CEO also thanked the captain who piloted the aircraft, the relief pilots who secured and safely landed the plane, and the cabin crew. He expressed appreciation to the passengers who assisted the crew during the incident.
At the request of the relevant authorities, Flydubai has announced the temporary suspension of its operations to Tel Aviv until further notice. The airline’s teams are working around the clock to support affected passengers and help them reach their final destinations.
Al Ghaith explained that the authorities are conducting a full official investigation into the events on board flight FZ1073, confirming Flydubai’s full support for the inquiry. He stated: “I know there are many questions about what happened on flight FZ1073. There is a full official investigation by the relevant authorities, with Flydubai’s full support. It is important to allow this process to uncover the facts.”
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Al Ghaith concluded by reiterating the company’s gratitude for the safety of everyone on board flight FZ1073, and for the continued support from customers, staff, and industry partners, stressing that “safety will always remain our highest priority.”