Flydubai Pilot Stabs Co‑Pilot, Passengers Land 17,400‑foot Descent Safely

At 06:05 UTC, flight FZ1073 departed Dubai International Airport. By 08:20 UTC, the aircraft began a sudden descent, losing 17,400 feet in less than two minutes. Within minutes, the cockpit saw a violent struggle as one pilot brandished a knife, forcing a second pilot to flee the cabin. The crew then sent the 7700 emergency code, followed by the 7500 hijack signal, and the aircraft reversed course into Jordanian airspace at 08:41, before re‑entering Saudi airspace at 08:46.

Yasmin Abukasis, whose daughter Miryam was aboard, recounted that passengers at the front pushed the attacker toward the cockpit exit. A dentist on board rendered emergency care to the injured pilot, while two relief pilots seated at the rear seized the controls and guided the aircraft to a safe landing. "We heard shouting and saw blood; we had to act fast," Abukasis told AFP.

The Israeli Air Force scrambled fighter jets to intercept the stricken aircraft, but turned them back before they crossed into Saudi airspace, according to a military spokesperson. Tabuk International Airport declared a state of emergency when the plane touched down at 09:45 local time. Both pilots were taken to hospital in Saudi Arabia, and passengers received treatment at the airport terminal.

Israeli authorities have opened a full investigation into the cockpit incident, with a terrorism probe still pending. Saudi officials say the flight’s emergency signals prompted swift coordination with the airport and air traffic control. The airline has yet to release a full incident report, but officials expect the investigation to conclude within the next month.