Tabuk:Dubai Dubai-based airline Flydubai has temporarily suspended its flights to Tel Aviv following an incident involving one of its aircraft's cockpit, as requested by authorities, according to the airline's CEO.

According to Anadolu Agency, CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith announced the suspension, which came after a safety incident occurred aboard flight FZ1073. The flight, which was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30, was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Al Ghaith assured that all 172 passengers and crew members on board were safe and being supported.

The captain of the flight was injured during the incident but has since returned to the UAE after receiving medical clearance. Al Ghaith commended the flight crew for their efforts in securing the aircraft and making a safe landing, and he expressed gratitude to the Saudi authorities for their quick and professional response, as well as to the UAE authorities and others who assisted the passengers and crew in returning home.

Permission for the emergency landing was granted at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Tabuk. An official investigation, led by the relevant authorities and supported by Flydubai, is currently underway to determine the facts surrounding the incident.

Flydubai reported that an altercation had occurred in the flight deck, leading to the aircraft's diversion to Saudi Arabia. Airport officials stated that both the captain and first officer sustained injuries and were hospitalized following the incident.

The UAE authorities have initiated an investigation to ascertain whether the cockpit altercation was related to terrorist activity or involved any prior planning or direction.