A “security incident” in the cockpit.. A new update from the head of “Flydubai” regarding the Tel Aviv flight

On Friday, Flydubai announced a new update regarding its flight, which was heading from Dubai to Tel Aviv, on September 30, before diverting its course to land at Tabuk Airport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, following a “security incident” that occurred in the cockpit, confirming the safety of all passengers and crew members on board the flight. Flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith said in a statement on Friday regarding flight FZ 1073 that the number of passengers on board reached 172, in addition to crew members, “including the plane’s captain who returned to the UAE after obtaining the necessary medical evaluation.”

Al-Ghaith added that the company "continues to provide all support to those affected," thanking "the brave captain who took command of it, and our pilots on duty who secured the plane and landed it safely, in addition to the flight crew." Flydubai's CEO also expressed his gratitude to all passengers on board, saying that they "helped our crew during this difficult situation."

Al Ghaith, on behalf of Flydubai, thanked the competent authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their “quick and professional response in these exceptional circumstances.” He also thanked the authorities and competent authorities in the UAE for their support of the passengers and the company’s crews during their safe return to the country. At the request of the competent authorities, Al Ghaith said that Flydubai “has temporarily suspended its operations to Tel Aviv until further notice,” adding that the company’s teams are working around the clock to support affected passengers and help them reach their final destinations.

Al Ghaith said that there are “many questions about what happened on board Flight FZ 1073,” noting that there is “a full official investigation by the competent authorities and with the full support of Flydubai.” He added: “It is important that we let this process discover the facts,” expressing his gratitude “for the safety of everyone on board Flight FZ 1073, and for the continued support of our customers, employees, and industry partners.”

Al Ghaith concluded his statement by emphasizing that “safety will always and forever remain our highest priority.”