Flydubai Flight FZ1073 Diverts After Cockpit Attack

Flydubai flight FZ1073, operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was forced to divert to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after an altercation broke out in the cockpit. The aircraft, which was carrying 174 passengers including 27 children, landed safely despite the disruption.

Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was seriously injured when he was attacked by his co‑pilot, believed to be an Omani national. Machchhar fought back and helped prevent the situation from escalating further, according to the News18 India report.

The United Arab Emirates has launched an investigation into the incident, probing a possible terror link and whether external direction was involved. Officials have said the probe will examine the co‑pilot’s background and the circumstances that led to the attack, while stressing that aviation security remains a priority.

What to watch: updates from UAE authorities on the probe and any legal actions against the crew.