Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency diversion to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on September 30 after experiencing an onboard incident. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 landed safely, and Flydubai said all passengers and crew were accounted for.
According to Flightradar24 tracking data, the aircraft had climbed to around 34,000 feet before experiencing sharp altitude fluctuations at about 05:21 UTC. It subsequently dropped more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds. The aircraft then climbed and descended again, with its altitude falling by more than 17,000 feet within roughly two minutes before stabilising at around 15,000 feet.
The flight transmitted emergency transponder code 7700, followed by 7500, which indicates unlawful interference. It later switched back to 7700 before diverting toward Tabuk.
Israeli officials and media reports said the emergency followed a violent altercation between the pilots. Reports have also alleged that one pilot stabbed the other and attempted to take control of the aircraft. However, those specific details have not been independently confirmed, while Flydubai has publicly described the event only as an “incident”.
The aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, with authorities continuing to investigate what happened onboard.
