Dubai-based airline Flydubai has suspended all flights to and from Israel until further notice.
The airline said services will remain suspended while authorities investigate a serious security incident involving flight FZ1073.
The incident occurred on September 30 during a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 diverted from its original route and made an emergency landing at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
All 174 passengers and crew members were ultimately accounted for following the incident.
Flydubai Flight Diverts to Saudi Arabia
According to the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, the security incident was brought under control.
Some crew members sustained injuries during the incident. They were taken to a hospital in Saudi Arabia for medical treatment.
Investigation teams are now examining the operational and security circumstances surrounding the flight.
Reports citing passengers and officials said a confrontation occurred inside the cockpit.
The captain was reportedly injured during the incident. Crew members and passengers then reportedly helped regain control of the situation.
The aircraft later landed safely at Tabuk Airport. However, authorities have not yet announced the exact motive behind the incident.
Flydubai Suspends Israel Services
Following the incident, Flydubai announced the suspension of its flights to and from Israel.
The airline said passenger and crew safety remains its highest priority. It also urged people to avoid speculation while investigators work to establish the facts.
Passengers affected by the flight suspension have also received an apology from the airline. The suspension will remain in place until further notice, according to the provided information.
Travelers with upcoming bookings should check their flight status and official airline updates before travelling.
Emirates Codeshare Flights Also Affected
The disruption has also affected Emirates passengers travelling under codeshare arrangements. Emirates suspended its codeshare flights with Flydubai to and from Tel Aviv with immediate effect.
Those services will also remain suspended until further notice.
The development could affect passengers connecting through Dubai to Israel using the airlines’ partnership.
Israeli authorities have separately indicated that security procedures involving pilots flying into Israel will be tightened. The reported changes follow the September 30 incident and the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are continuing to examine both security and operational aspects of the case.
Further details about the incident, including its exact motive and circumstances, remain under investigation.
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The timeline for the resumption of flights has not yet been announced.
