FlyDubai Tel Aviv flight diverts to Tabuk after onboard disturbance
A FlyDubai service from Dubai to Tel Aviv landed in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after the crew signalled an emergency and, for a period, an unlawful interference code. Media reports describe a physical altercation between the pilots.
A FlyDubai flight to Tel Aviv diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on 30 September after the aircraft sent emergency transponder codes, according to flight tracking data. Flight FZ1073 left Dubai and levelled off at 34,000 feet. At 05:21 UTC it began a steep descent, climbed sharply, then descended again, settling at roughly 15,000 feet about twelve minutes later. Altitude and ground speed varied widely for the rest of the flight.
At 05:28:48 UTC, near the Saudi-Jordanian border, the aircraft began transmitting squawk 7700, the code for a general emergency. At 05:35 UTC it switched to squawk 7500, which signals unlawful interference, and turned west. It briefly entered Jordanian airspace, then reversed course and headed southwest toward Tabuk, returning to squawk 7700 on approach.
The final ADS-B message, received at 06:58 UTC, indicated the aircraft had landed safely at Tabuk. Several media outlets, including CNN and Reuters, report the disturbance on board was a physical altercation between the pilots.
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Sources
- flightradar24.comFlyDubai flight to Tel Aviv diverts to Tabuk amid onboard incident
- aviation24.beFlydubai flight to Tel Aviv diverts after reported cockpit altercation