Passengers subdue co-pilot after flydubai flight plunges 17,000 feet

Dramatic mid-air struggle forces diversion to Tabuk

By LineZotpaper

Published1 October 2026

Updated1 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Sources3 outlets

A flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv plunged more than 14,000 feet in under 30 seconds after an apparent attack in the cockpit, with passengers tackling and tying down the co-pilot before the aircraft diverted to Tabuk. Flight FZ1073, carrying 174 passengers, was two hours into its journey when the aircraft went into a rapid descent, according to flight tracking data.

On September 30, flydubai flight FZ1073 departed Dubai International Airport at 7.05am after a 20-minute delay, bound for Tel Aviv. The three-year-old Boeing 737 MAX 8 climbed to 34,000 feet. Two hours and 16 minutes into the flight, tracking data shows the aircraft fell more than 14,000 feet in less than 30 seconds, then dropped again. In total it fell 17,350 feet, from 34,000 to 16,650 feet, in two minutes. A distress signal was sent and the aircraft diverted to Tabuk.

Passenger Almog Itali told the BBC's Newsnight: "Suddenly, the aeroplane started to, like a rollercoaster, to drop down like a massive G-force." Itali said three or four passengers subdued the co-pilot, acquiring minor injuries in the process. "They are very brave. They literally saved our lives," Itali said.

According to Yasmin Abukasis, whose daughter Miriam was on the flight, a man holding a knife had forced one of the pilots onto the floor. Blood was everywhere and loud screams could be heard. The crew asked passengers for help, and passengers helped tie down the co-pilot after tackling him.

Dr Salim Hijazeen, a lecturer in aviation at Swinburne University of Technology, said the safest passengers during the erratic change in altitude would have been those with seatbelts securely fastened.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

The incident shows how a cockpit security breach can turn a routine flight into an emergency within seconds.
The rapid descent created serious risks for passengers and crew who were not seated with seatbelts fastened.
The outcome could prompt airlines and regulators to re-examine cockpit access rules and in-flight threat responses.

Background

Commercial cockpit doors have been reinforced since the 2001 attacks to stop outsiders from entering, but the FZ1073 incident appears to have involved a threat from inside the cockpit. The co-pilot was reportedly the attacker, and passengers had to intervene after the pilot was incapacitated. The dramatic altitude changes and the physical struggle left blood in the cabin and minor injuries among the passengers who helped.

Key Perspectives

Passengers: Those on board described the drop as rollercoaster-like and praised the passengers who tackled the co-pilot. One passenger said they literally saved lives.

Aviation safety experts: The focus has been on the value of wearing seatbelts during flight, with Dr Hijazeen noting that restrained passengers would have been safest during the erratic altitude changes.

Investigators: The key questions are likely to involve how a knife got into the cockpit, what motivated the co-pilot, and whether cockpit security procedures were followed.

What to Watch

Findings from the official investigation into the cockpit struggle and the diversion.
Any action from flydubai or aviation regulators on cockpit security or crew training.
The legal and medical assessment of the co-pilot and whether charges follow.

Sources

A terrifying plunge, loud screams, blood everywhere: How flight FZ1073 unfolded, moment by moment — Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
A terrifying plunge, loud screams, blood everywhere: How flight FZ1073 unfolded, moment by moment — Brisbane Times - Latest News
Should cockpits stay locked from the inside? Flydubai stabbing raises flight security questions — Business | The Guardian