Clarification Statement from a Responsible Source at the Ministry of Interior Regarding the Emergency Landing of Flydubai Aircraft at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk
Authorities in Saudi Arabia handled an emergency on Flydubai flight FZ1073, leading to a safe emergency landing in Tabuk after an incident between the pilot and co-pilot.
A responsible source at the Ministry of Interior clarified that the competent authorities in the Kingdom undertook the necessary procedures to handle the emergency situation declared on Flydubai flight number FZ1073, granting it permission for an emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in the city of Tabuk, on Wednesday, 19 Rabi' al-Thani 1448 AH, corresponding to September 30, 2026.
The source reported that the aircraft landed safely at exactly 9:45 AM, carrying 174 passengers in addition to a crew of 8 members, all of whom were provided with the necessary care. At exactly 5:40 PM, all passengers continued their journey on an alternative Flydubai aircraft, while the flight crew returned to Dubai on another aircraft of the same company, except for the pilot and his assistant, who were transferred to the hospital to receive necessary treatment based on their health assessment.
The source indicated that preliminary investigations conducted by the competent authorities in the Kingdom, with the participation of a security team from the United Arab Emirates, pointed to an assault by the co-pilot on the pilot, resulting in various injuries to both.
The source confirmed that the pilot and his assistant, after their health condition improved and upon receiving medical team approval, left the Kingdom heading to Abu Dhabi on the morning of Thursday, 20 Rabi' al-Thani 1448 AH, corresponding to October 1, 2026, accompanied by the UAE security team.
The responsible source emphasized that the Kingdom deals with emergency situations in accordance with its international and humanitarian commitments, and as stipulated by the approved regulations and instructions of the concerned authorities, to ensure the safety of air navigation and the readiness of the aviation and security systems, and their ability to respond quickly and effectively to exceptional situations.