Flydubai flight FZ1073, carrying 180 passengers, diverted to Tabuk after both pilots were injured during its Dubai–Tel Aviv leg. The autopilot remained engaged until manually disengaged, allowing the aircraft to land safely while authorities investigate the incident.
Captain Amit Singh, founder of the Safety Matters Foundation, explained that an aircraft’s autopilot can continue operating if both pilots are incapacitated, but it cannot handle changing flight conditions without human input—so a crew or ATC intervention is still required. He added that the autopilot does not automatically disengage when pilots become unable to control the plane; it stays on until someone pulls the lever.
Singh also clarified the meaning of the two most common emergency transponder codes. Code 7700 signals a general emergency to air‑traffic control, while 7500 alerts controllers to potential hijacking or unlawful interference. These codes are broadcast even if the pilots are unable to speak.
On pilot mental fitness, Singh said pilots must self‑declare no mental illness, and formal tests are administered during recruitment. He warned that a single pilot leaving the cockpit for a break requires a cabin crew member to remain inside, ensuring a minimum of two people remain on duty at all times.
The Tabuk emergency landing left both the captain and co‑pilot hospitalized. Airport officials confirmed the aircraft made a safe touchdown and crews were able to evacuate passengers unharmed. Investigation teams have been dispatched to the scene to determine the cause of the pilots’ injuries and the circumstances that led to the emergency.