Brief

UAE officials cite misinformation concerns for delayed flydubai FZ1073 details

National Media Authority chair says accuracy was paramount as the incident unfolded across Saudi and Israeli jurisdictions.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 15 Oct 2026 23:18:23 GMT

UAE officials said the need to verify information and coordinate with multiple authorities delayed the release of details about the flydubai FZ1073 incident, according to statements made at the UAE Correspondents' Majlis in Dubai.

What happened

The incident occurred on 30 September 2026 when a flydubai aircraft diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a co‑pilot attacked the captain with a crash axe. All 174 passengers and crew survived the diversion. Initial UAE statements confirmed a safe landing, later adding that the event was a security incident that injured crew members. Three days after the flight, the UAE Attorney‑General announced that the co‑pilot had attempted a terrorist act, and on 9 October further findings described a planned suicide attack on Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.

What the reports add

Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, chairman of the National Media Authority, told the Majlis that “we had to be 100 per cent sure that the information we give is correct,” emphasizing the risk of premature identification. Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, chairman of the Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federal National Council, explained that the incident involved an Emirati airline, a Saudi landing site and predominantly Israeli passengers, creating a “particularly sensitive situation” that required coordination with Saudi authorities.

What was said

Al Hamed said, “Everybody started writing about it… we can’t say something we are not aware of. We don’t know. So we had to wait.” Dr Al Nuaimi added, “We can’t say to you something that we are not aware of. We don’t know. So we had to wait,” and noted the need to respect Saudi jurisdiction because the incident occurred on Saudi territory.

How it came about

Earlier Felo coverage highlighted the UAE’s step‑by‑step communication strategy after the cockpit assault, praising the GCAA’s cautious statements. The Attorney‑General’s later revelation that the Omani co‑pilot planned a suicide crash into Ben Gurion Airport added a terrorist‑act dimension to the investigation, prompting officials to tighten information controls.

Key facts

The flydubai FZ1073 incident occurred on 30 September 2026 and the aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. (khaleejtimes.com)
UAE officials delayed detailed statements to ensure accuracy and avoid premature identification of individuals. (khaleejtimes.com)
The co‑pilot was later identified as having attempted a terrorist act and a suicide attack on Ben Gurion Airport. (khaleejtimes.com)