Saudi Ministry Clarifies Flydubai Emergency Landing After Crew Assault

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has issued a clarification on the emergency landing of a flydubai aircraft at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk on September 30.

“The competent authorities in the Kingdom took the necessary measures in response to an emergency declared aboard flydubai flight FZ1073 and granted the aircraft clearance to make an emergency landing,” the ministry said in the statement.

“All passengers and crew members were provided with the necessary care,” the ministry said.

The statement said passengers continued their journey later that day, while the captain and first officer were taken to hospital for medical treatment.

“Preliminary investigations conducted by the relevant authorities in the Kingdom, with the participation of a security team from the brotherly United Arab Emirates, indicated that the first officer had assaulted the aircraft captain, resulting in both sustaining various injuries,” the ministry said.

The statement did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.

At 5.40pm, all passengers continued their journey aboard a replacement flydubai aircraft, according to the ministry.

The flight crew returned to Dubai on another aircraft operated by the airline, while the captain and first officer remained in hospital to receive medical treatment based on an assessment of their conditions.

“Following an improvement in their conditions and after receiving medical clearance, the captain and first officer departed the Kingdom for Abu Dhabi on the morning of Thursday, October 1, 2026,” the statement said.

The Ministry of Interior said Saudi authorities handled the incident in line with the Kingdom’s international and humanitarian obligations, as well as applicable laws and procedures.