Brief
Flydubai flight FZ1073 plunges 14,000 ft after cockpit stabbing
The Boeing 737 MAX 8 fell more than 14,000 ft after a co‑pilot was stabbed, with passengers subduing the attacker before the aircraft landed safely in Tabuk.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Flydubai flight FZ1073, a Dubai‑to‑Tel Aviv Boeing 737 MAX 8 carrying 174 passengers, plunged more than 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds after a co‑pilot was stabbed by the pilot, according to SMH.
Departing Dubai International at 7:05 am local time on 30 September, the aircraft reached a cruising altitude of 34,000 feet. At 9:21 am, it dropped sharply, falling to 16,650 feet within two minutes. Passengers reported a roller‑coaster‑like descent and loud screams. Several passengers and crew intervened, subduing the co‑pilot and tying him up, as described by passenger Almog Itali.
After the aircraft stabilised around 15,000 feet, the crew issued a squawk 7700 emergency signal. The plane later descended further and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. All passengers and crew were accounted for.
Dr Salim Hijazeen, an aviation lecturer, said the rapid altitude changes could have thrown passengers from their seats, underscoring the severity of the event.
Key facts
- Flydubai flight FZ1073 departed Dubai for Tel Aviv on 30 September 2026 with 174 passengers. (smh.com.au)
- The aircraft dropped more than 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds, falling from 34,000 feet to 16,650 feet. (smh.com.au)
- A co‑pilot was stabbed by the pilot, prompting passengers and crew to subdue the attacker. (smh.com.au)
- The plane issued a squawk 7700 emergency signal and later landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. (smh.com.au)
- All passengers and crew were safe and accounted for after landing. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Flydubai FZ1073: what we know about how flight incident to tel aviv unfolded”
