Flydubai FZ1073 diverts to Tabuk after mid-air cockpit incident
Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX - Photo Source: AirTeamImages.com
Flydubai flight FZ1073 departed Dubai International Airport at approximately 03:05 UTC on September 30, bound for Tel Aviv. The Boeing 737-8 MAX (Registration A6-FKF) climbed to a cruising altitude of around 34,000 feet before an incident occurred while operating over the region.
According to our flight data, the aircraft transmitted squawk 7700 at 05:28:48 UTC, indicating a general emergency. Around six minutes later, at 05:35 UTC, the aircraft changed its transponder code to 7500, the internationally standardized code indicating unlawful interference.
The aircraft subsequently turned west and briefly entered Jordanian airspace before making a significant 180-degree turn and heading southwest toward Tabuk. As the aircraft approached Tabuk, the transponder was changed back to 7700. The flight subsequently landed safely at Tabuk, with the last ADS-B data received by AirNav Radar at approximately 06:58 UTC.
Reports of an Incident in the Cockpit
Multiple media outlets, including Reuters, reported that the diversion followed a physical altercation between the pilots.
The reports indicate that both pilots were injured during the incident and were taken for medical treatment after the aircraft landed. The circumstances surrounding the altercation have not been fully established, and the incident remains under investigation.
The use of squawk 7500 initially raised questions about a possible hijacking or other form of unlawful interference. However, subsequent reporting indicated that the situation stemmed from an incident between members of the flight crew rather than a hijacking.
What the Flight Data Shows
The flight-tracking data provides a clear timeline of the aircraft's movements and transponder changes.
The sequence of 7700 → 7500 → 7700 is particularly notable. Squawk 7700 indicates a general emergency, while 7500 is the internationally recognized code for unlawful interference. The aircraft's subsequent change in heading, return to 7700, and diversion toward Tabuk are also evident in the tracking data.
AirNav Radar received the aircraft's final ADS-B transmissions as it approached and landed at Tabuk at approximately 06:58 UTC.
The aircraft's movements and transponder codes can be independently reviewed through AirNav Radar's flight-tracking data, while the details of what occurred inside the cockpit remain subject to the ongoing investigation.
You can download the data by clicking here.
Statement from FlyDubai
An altercation occurred in the flight deck of flight FZ 1073, operating from Dubai International (DXB) to Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), on 30 September.
The aircraft was successfully secured by on-duty flydubai crew travelling on the flight, who diverted and landed the aircraft safely at Tabuk Airport (TUU). All passengers and crew are safe and accounted for.
We have deployed two replacement aircraft to Tabuk to relieve the passengers and crew.
This incident has no impact on other scheduled operations across the flydubai network.
At this early stage, the underlying reasons and motives behind this event are unknown and remain subject to a formal investigation. We urge all parties to refrain from premature speculation while authorities gather the facts.
Our immediate priority is to ensure the ongoing safety, health, and wellbeing of all passengers and crew members involved in this incident and support the official investigation.
