By Staff Reporter
DUBAI — Dubai-based airline flydubai has suspended all flights to and from Israel following a security incident aboard flight FZ1073 that forced the aircraft to divert to Saudi Arabia.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 was travelling from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv on Wednesday when an altercation occurred in the cockpit, according to flydubai.
The aircraft was secured by crew members travelling on board and diverted safely to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
All passengers and crew were accounted for, while the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed that some crew members were injured and taken to hospital in Saudi Arabia.
flydubai said it was suspending its Israel operations while authorities investigate the incident and establish what happened.
“The safety and wellbeing of our passengers, crew and operations remain our highest priority,” the airline said.
The carrier added that it was cooperating with government authorities, regulators and airport officials as the investigation continues.
Two replacement aircraft were sent to Tabuk to assist passengers and crew affected by the incident.
The airline said the incident had not disrupted its other scheduled flights across its network.
The GCAA said the aircraft experienced a security incident that was brought under control before the emergency landing in Tabuk.
Investigators are examining both the operational and security aspects of the incident, while authorities have urged the public not to circulate unverified information or speculate about the cause.
Flight-tracking data earlier showed the aircraft transmitting emergency code 7700, which is used to alert air traffic control to an emergency. The aircraft had previously transmitted code 7500, commonly associated with unlawful interference, before switching to 7700.
flydubai said the underlying reasons and motives behind the incident remain unknown and are subject to a formal investigation.
The airline said it would review the suspension of flights to Israel as more information becomes available.
