Flydubai halts Israel flights while 737 cockpit assault inquiry continues

Flydubai has stopped operating flights to Israel while an investigation continues into an incident aboard one of its Boeing 737s, the airline said.

The aircraft had been flying its FZ1073 service, which is also sold under a codeshare arrangement with Emirates as EK2120, when one of the pilots attacked the other. The jet was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.

The airline described the suspension as temporary and said it would allow authorities to complete their work and establish the circumstances of the event. Flydubai added that it is supporting the investigation, is in contact with government officials, regulators and airport operators, and will review the pause as further information emerges.

Flight connections between Dubai and Tel Aviv were already restricted after Israeli airlines pulled out of the route months earlier over security concerns in the United Arab Emirates. El Al, Arkia and Israir have each signalled an intention to restart services late this year, though none of those plans has been formally confirmed.

Arkia, a leisure carrier, sought to reassure travellers following the Flydubai event, saying its flights maintain high standards of security, safety and control, including when a chartered aircraft is used. The airline said an Israeli Arkia crew member is present on every flight flown with a chartered plane, and that the pilots operating such services are certified by approved international carriers and work under the rules applying to that kind of operation.