Flydubai issues update on flight FZ1073 diverted to Tabuk

Flydubai has provided an update on flight FZ 1073, which was travelling from Dubai (DXB) to Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV) when it diverted to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia on September 30.

In a statement, the airline's spokesperson said that an altercation occurred in the aircraft’s flight deck while the plane was en route.

On-duty flydubai crew travelling on the flight secured the aircraft, which then landed safely in Tabuk.

All passengers and crew are safe and accounted for. Two replacement aircraft have been sent to Tabuk to relieve the passengers and crew.

The airline said that the incident has not affected other scheduled operations across its 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," the statement added.

The airline says its immediate priority is the safety and wellbeing of all passengers and crew involved, as it supports the official investigation.