DUBAI/JERUSALEM, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Flydubai said Wednesday that it has suspended flights to and from Israel pending an investigation into an incident aboard flight FZ 1073 earlier in the day.
The Dubai-based airline said in a statement that the decision was made in coordination with relevant authorities to allow them to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
It added that it remains in close coordination with government authorities, regulators, and airport stakeholders, and would review the suspension as more information becomes available.
The airline apologized to affected passengers and said it was working to provide support and alternative arrangements where possible.
The incident occurred when the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain inside the cockpit during the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, United Arab Emirates' media reported, causing the aircraft to plunge suddenly. Other crew members and passengers overpowered the attacker, allowing the crew to regain control.
According to Flydubai, on-duty crew members traveling on the flight secured the aircraft, diverted it, and landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Some crew members were injured, the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said. All 174 passengers were later flown to Tel Aviv on another Flydubai flight.
GCAA has launched an investigation into the incident, including a review of operational and security aspects.
Hours after the incident, Israel's flagship carrier El Al announced that it is preparing to resume flights between Tel Aviv and Dubai in November after more than eight months of suspension, with service operating at least twice daily.
Israel's Channel 13 reported that Israel is considering revoking Flydubai's license to operate flights to Israel after the incident, with a committee of government, aviation and security officials established to discuss the matter.
Flights between Tel Aviv and Dubai were halted at the end of February, following the outbreak of the war in Iran. ■
