Flydubai flight makes emergency landing at Saudi Tabuk airport after cockpit crew injured

Emergency landing of a Flydubai flight at Tabuk Airport

Authorities in Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday that a “Flydubai” aircraft made an emergency landing at the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk, following an urgent distress call triggered by injuries to both the captain and the first officer.

Emergency response details

A statement from the airport confirmed that air traffic control received a distress call at 8:44 a.m. local time from flight FZ1073. The airport administration declared an emergency state, and the aircraft successfully landed at 9:45 a.m. The pilots were immediately transported to the hospital for medical care, though the statement did not clarify the circumstances or causes of these injuries.

Passenger management and replacement aircraft

The Tabuk airport administration confirmed providing all necessary care to passengers in the terminal and coordinating with the carrier to secure a replacement aircraft to continue their journey. The airport reiterated its commitment to the regulations of the General Authority of Civil Aviation and international treaties on flight safety.

Flight background and media reports

The flight was en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv and initially transmitted the 7700 emergency code. Later, the official Israeli broadcaster reported that tracking systems displayed the 7500 code, which indicates “unlawful interference.” Passengers on board claimed the emergency landing followed an altercation between the pilots, amid security assessments in Israel suggesting the first officer may have attempted to hijack the plane. Flydubai had previously announced sending a replacement aircraft to transport the passengers.