Flydubai Flight FZ1073 Diverts to Saudi Arabia After Cockpit Attack
A Flydubai Boeing 737 traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 was forced to divert to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a mid-air altercation broke out inside the cockpit between the flight crew, rtl.de reported. The co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain with a crash axe from the aircraft’s emergency equipment in an incident that prosecutors in the United Arab Emirates have categorized as a suspected attempted terrorist act.
Six-Year-Old Passenger Alerts Crew to Cockpit Struggle
The emergency response began when six-year-old passenger Nina Manes needed to use the lavatory during flight FZ1073. Accompanied by her mother, Tali, the family walked toward the front of the cabin while the aircraft was en route. Near the cockpit door, Tali heard unusual, heavy banging sounds coming from inside and immediately alerted a nearby flight attendant, according to an interview on Channel 12 in Israel.
When the crew member did not immediately act, Tali intervened more forcefully, urging him to check inside. Upon opening the door, the flight attendant and Tali discovered blood throughout the cockpit and a physical fight underway between the two pilots. Tali shouted warnings to passengers that the co-pilot was attacking the pilot, prompting other travelers to rush forward to assist.
Passengers Overpower Co-Pilot as Boeing 737 Loses Altitude
While Ninas father, Tzvika, moved his daughters away from the immediate danger zone, several male passengers rushed to the cockpit. The group managed to overpower the co-pilot and restrain him using items including headphone cords, according to accounts given to Israeli media. During the physical struggle, flight tracking data from Flightradar24 showed the Boeing 737 entering a steep descent, transmitting emergency code 7700 followed by code 7500, which indicates unlawful interference.
Both pilots sustained injuries during the onboard conflict. The captain, Smit Machchhar, later returned to the United Arab Emirates for medical treatment following the safe landing in Tabuk. The United Arab Emirates prosecution service launched an investigation into the co-pilot, who had previously faced security concerns, examining potential terror motives behind the cockpit assault.
Common Questions About the Flydubai Cockpit Incident
Where did flight FZ1073 land after the cockpit attack?
The Flydubai Boeing 737 diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely after the co-pilot was restrained by passengers and crew.
What weapon did the co-pilot allegedly use?
United Arab Emirates prosecutors stated that the co-pilot used a crash axe, which is standard emergency equipment kept on commercial aircraft.
How did the flight crew respond to the emergency signals?
Flight data shows the aircraft transmitted emergency squawk codes 7700 and 7500 during the descent before diverting successfully to Saudi Arabia.
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