Saudi Arabia Provides Full Assistance to All 174 FlyDubai Passengers After Tabuk Emergency Landing, Interior Ministry Says

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia delivered comprehensive logistical and essential assistance to all passengers and crew aboard the Israel‑bound FlyDubai flight that was forced to land in Tabuk, the Kingdom’s interior ministry announced on Thursday.

Flight FZ1073, while flying over the Jordanian border, experienced a rapid descent of thousands of metres before safely touching down at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport.

Israeli authorities reported that the Omani co‑pilot assaulted his colleague in the cockpit as part of an alleged plan to crash the aircraft, which was carrying 166 Israeli nationals among its passengers.

Saudi investigators, working together with a UAE security team, said preliminary findings revealed that an altercation in the cockpit resulted in the co‑pilot assaulting the captain, injuring both men, according to a Saudi ministry official.

The pilots were taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation and treatment.

After receiving medical clearance, both pilots departed Saudi Arabia for Abu Dhabi on Thursday, escorted by the UAE security team, the official added.

All 174 passengers and the eight crew members received assistance following the aircraft’s safe landing at 9:45 a.m.

“At 5:40 p.m., all passengers resumed their journey on a replacement FlyDubai aircraft, while the flight crew returned to Dubai on a separate airline‑operated flight,” the official said.

Captain Smit Machchhar has been commended for his bravery in attempting to subdue the attacker and for permitting passengers and crew to enter the cockpit and regain control of the aircraft.

Indian embassy officials in Abu Dhabi reported that the captain is in good health and recovering well.

The attacker’s identity remains undisclosed.

Videos showing Saudi medical teams tending to traumatized Israeli passengers in Tabuk have circulated widely on social media.

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