Flydubai has temporarily suspended flights to Tel Aviv after one of its aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia following a safety incident in the flight deck, the airline's chief executive officer Ghaith Al Ghaith said in a statement on Friday.
Flydubai flight FZ1073, operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, was diverted to Tabuk after the incident. All 172 passengers and crew members on board were safe, Al Ghaith said.
The airline's captain, who required medical attention following the incident, has since returned to the UAE after receiving medical clearance. Flydubai said it was continuing to support passengers and crew affected by the disruption.
Tel Aviv flights suspended
At the request of authorities, flydubai has temporarily suspended operations to Tel Aviv until further notice, Al Ghaith said.
The airline's teams are working to assist passengers whose journeys were disrupted and help them reach their final destinations.
The suspension comes as authorities investigate what happened aboard FZ1073. Al Ghaith said a full official investigation led by the relevant authorities was underway and that flydubai was fully supporting the process.
"It is important that we allow this process to establish the facts," he said.
Captain, crew praised for safe landing
Al Ghaith thanked the captain, pilots and cabin crew for securing the aircraft and landing it safely. He also praised passengers who assisted the crew during what he described as a challenging situation.
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He thanked Saudi authorities for their response after the aircraft diverted to Tabuk, as well as UAE authorities and other stakeholders involved in helping passengers and crew return home.
Flydubai said the safety of its passengers and crew remained its highest priority as the investigation continues.
