Israel-bound flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after fight between pilots

Flight FZ 1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv "experienced an incident while en route. The aircraft has landed safely in Tabuk Airport (TUU) and all passengers are safe and accounted for," the spokesperson for the low-cost carrier said in a statement.

A photograph shows the departure hall of Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport in Tabuk on September 30, 2026

Several Israeli media reported that a fight had broken out between the plane's pilots, reportedly causing a distress signal to be activated.

Israel's Kan public broadcaster and Channel 12 reported that the Israeli military had scrambled fighter jets after fears of a possible hijacking -- with the hypothesis later dismissed.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the premier had held consultations on the matter and was "monitoring developments".

"The incident is under control, and all measures are currently being deployed in order to return the Israeli passengers safely to Israel," a statement said.

Neither the airline nor the authorities of the countries involved have provided details on what happened on board the flight.

Source: Citizen Digital