The Saudi Ministry of Interior provided a detailed statement on Thursday concerning an incident involving FlyDubai flight FZ1073. The aircraft was granted emergency landing permission in Tabuk, and the subsequent events surrounding the flight were clarified in the announcement.
Emergency Landing and Passenger Safety
According to a statement from a ministry spokesperson, the relevant authorities in the Kingdom acted promptly to manage the emergency situation declared on FlyDubai flight FZ1073. The flight was permitted to make an emergency landing at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk on Wednesday, 19 Rabi’ al-Akhir 1448 AH, corresponding to 30 September 2026. The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers alongside an eight-member crew, landed safely at 9:45 a.m., with all individuals receiving necessary assistance thereafter, as reported by the Saudi news agency, SPA.
Post-Landing Developments
By 5:40 p.m., all passengers were able to continue their journey on an alternative FlyDubai aircraft, while the flight crew returned to Dubai on a separate plane. The captain and co-pilot, however, were taken to a local hospital for necessary treatment following health assessments, as detailed by SPA.
Investigation into the Incident
Initial investigations conducted by the Kingdom’s authorities, in conjunction with a security team from the United Arab Emirates, revealed that an altercation had occurred involving the co-pilot, resulting in injuries to both the captain and the first officer.
Medical Care and Departure
Once their medical conditions improved and with clearance from the medical team, both the captain and co-pilot departed the Kingdom for Abu Dhabi on Thursday morning, accompanied by the Emirati security team.
Commitment to International Standards
The Ministry spokesperson emphasised that the Kingdom is committed to managing emergency situations in accordance with its international humanitarian obligations, alongside established regulations and protocols. This ensures the safety and security of air navigation and the operational readiness of both aviation and security systems in Saudi Arabia, demonstrating the nation’s capacity for rapid and effective responses to exceptional circumstances.