Flydubai Suspends Israel Flights (Img: Pinterest)
Dubai: Flydubai has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Israel following a serious cockpit incident aboard flight FZ1073, which was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia after an altercation involving the pilots. The airline said the safety of its passengers and crew remains its highest priority.
The Dubai-Tel Aviv flight was operating on September 30 when a cockpit incident occurred while the aircraft was over Saudi airspace. According to reports, the co-pilot allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar, resulting in a struggle inside the flight deck.
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Flight-tracking data showed the Boeing 737 suddenly entered a steep descent, losing more than 16,000 feet in just over 30 seconds. The crew subsequently issued emergency signals before diverting the aircraft to Tabuk, where it landed safely.
All passengers and crew members on board were reported safe. Flydubai said Captain Machchhar has returned to the UAE after receiving medical clearance.
The airline said its flights to and from Israel have been temporarily suspended at the request of authorities while the investigation continues. Flydubai said its teams are assisting affected passengers and working with government authorities, regulators and airport stakeholders.
The carrier has also stressed that the circumstances and underlying reasons for the incident should be established through the official investigation rather than speculation.
Captain Machchhar, who was injured during the incident, has received medical treatment and returned to the UAE after being cleared to travel. He has been praised for his actions during the emergency after helping ensure that control of the aircraft was regained and the plane could be safely diverted.
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Investigators are continuing to examine what happened inside the cockpit, the circumstances surrounding the attack and the possible motive. Authorities have not yet established the underlying reason for the incident.
