WEBDESK - NAYADAUR
Saudi Arabia has clarified that preliminary findings show a cockpit altercation injured both pilots before passengers continued their journey after the emergency landing in Tabuk.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has issued a detailed clarification on the emergency landing of a flydubai aircraft in Tabuk, confirming that an altercation between two crew members led to injuries to both pilots.
Flydubai flight FZ1073, traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, declared an emergency on September 30 and was cleared to land at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk.
According to the Saudi Interior Ministry, the aircraft landed safely at 9:45am with 174 passengers and eight crew members on board.
Saudi authorities said they provided all passengers and crew with the necessary assistance after the aircraft landed.
Preliminary investigation points to cockpit assault
The ministry said preliminary investigations, conducted by Saudi authorities with the participation of a security team from the United Arab Emirates, indicated that the first officer had assaulted the aircraft captain.
Both pilots sustained injuries during the incident.
The Saudi statement did not disclose what triggered the altercation or provide further details about the alleged assault.
The incident prompted an emergency response at Tabuk airport, and Saudi authorities allowed the aircraft to land after the emergency declaration.
Passengers continue journey
The passengers remained in Tabuk while arrangements were made for them to continue their journey.
At approximately 5:40pm on September 30, the passengers departed aboard a replacement flydubai aircraft.
The airline’s other crew members also returned to the UAE on a separate aircraft.
The captain and first officer, meanwhile, remained in hospital for medical treatment while their conditions were assessed.
Saudi authorities said both pilots were later cleared to travel after their conditions improved.
Pilots return to UAE
Following medical clearance, the captain and first officer left Saudi Arabia for Abu Dhabi on the morning of October 1.
An Emirati security team accompanied them during their return.
The Saudi Interior Ministry said its authorities handled the emergency in accordance with the Kingdom’s international and humanitarian obligations, as well as applicable laws and procedures.
The ministry said the response aimed to protect passengers and crew, maintain aviation safety, and ensure the readiness of Saudi Arabia’s aviation and security systems during exceptional circumstances.
The incident remains under investigation, with authorities working to establish the circumstances surrounding the confrontation between the two crew members.
The clarification also provides a clearer account of what happened after the flydubai aircraft diverted to Tabuk, confirming that the aircraft landed safely and that all passengers were subsequently able to resume their journey.