Flydubai flight makes emergency landing in Tabuk after crew altercation
Saudi authorities report a Flydubai plane made a safe emergency landing in Tabuk after a crew incident, with all passengers continuing their journey safely.
Key Takeaways
AIA Saudi Ministry of Interior official said authorities responded to an emergency involving Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was granted permission for an emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk on the morning of Wednesday, September 30, 2026, following a declared onboard emergency.
The official stated that the aircraft landed safely at 9:45 a.m. with 174 passengers and a crew of eight, all of whom received appropriate care upon arrival.
All passengers continued their journey at 5:40 p.m. on a replacement Flydubai aircraft, while the flight crew returned to Dubai on another plane, except for the captain and first officer, who were taken to hospital for treatment based on their medical assessment.
Preliminary investigation findings
The official added that initial investigations by Saudi authorities, in cooperation with a security team from the United Arab Emirates, revealed that the first officer assaulted the captain, resulting in injuries to both.
The official confirmed that both the captain and first officer left Saudi Arabia for Abu Dhabi on the morning of Thursday, October 1, 2026, after their health improved and they were cleared by medical staff, accompanied by the UAE security team.
Saudi emergency response procedures
The official emphasized that Saudi Arabia handles emergencies in accordance with its international and humanitarian obligations, as well as approved regulations and procedures, ensuring the safety and security of air navigation and the readiness of its aviation and security systems to respond swiftly to exceptional situations.