"Security Incident" in the Cockpit.. New Update from the CEO of "Fly Dubai" Regarding the Tel Aviv Flight

- Flydubai announced on Friday an update regarding its flight that was headed from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, which was diverted to land at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia due to an "security incident" that occurred in the cockpit, confirming the safety of all passengers and crew members on board the flight. Flydubai's CEO, Ghaith Al Ghaith, stated in a statement on Friday regarding flight (FZ 1073) that the number of passengers on board was 172, in addition to the crew members, "including the captain of the aircraft who returned to the UAE after receiving 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 the flight, and our standby pilots who secured the aircraft and landed it safely, in addition to the flight crew." The CEO of Flydubai also expressed his gratitude to all passengers on board the aircraft, saying they "helped our crew during this difficult situation."

On behalf of Flydubai, Al Ghaith thanked the relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia for their "swift and professional response in these exceptional circumstances," and also thanked the authorities and relevant entities in the UAE for their support to the passengers and the company's crews during their safe return to the country. Based on the request of the relevant authorities, Al Ghaith stated 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 the affected passengers and assist them in reaching their final destinations.

Al Ghaith mentioned that there are "many questions about what happened on flight FZ 1073," pointing out that there is a "full official investigation by the relevant authorities with full support from Flydubai." He added: "It is important to leave this process to uncover the facts," expressing his gratitude for "the safety of everyone on board flight FZ 1073, and for the continued support from our customers, employees, and partners in the sector."

Al Ghaith concluded his statement by affirming that "safety will always and forever remain our top priority."