Erroneous data triggers report of 2nd flydubai diversion; flight on normal course

The aircraft did not transmit any emergency signal, while tracking data showed it continuing on its normal route to Tel Aviv without any anomalies. The flight was not returning to the UAE, contrary to earlier reports.The flight, FZ1081, is continuing on its normal course, according to the latest information. (Photo: flydubai.com)New Delhi,Sep 30, 2026 16:47 ISTAn erroneous update in flight-tracking data briefly led to reports of a second flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverting and turning back to Dubai. The flight, FZ1081, is continuing on its normal course, according to the latest information.The earlier report of a diversion came hours after another flydubai flight, FZ1073, was diverted to Saudi Arabia following a mid-air incident involving its pilots.The data error resulted in the reporting of a second diversion involving a flydubai flight to Tel Aviv. There is no indication that FZ1081 has diverted from its planned route.The Times of Israel reported that the apparent change in course shown for FDB1081 was caused by a glitch on flight-tracking websites. The aircraft did not transmit any emergency signal, and tracking data showed it continuing on its normal route to Tel Aviv without any anomalies. The confusion came shortly after flydubai flight FZ1073, also operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia following an incident involving its pilots.FZ1073 transmitted a general emergency signal while flying over Jordanian airspace and later sent another emergency signal indicating possible unlawful interference. The Boeing 737 aircraft subsequently diverted towards Saudi Arabia and landed safely at Tabuk Airport. An Israeli official told Reuters that the pilots had a physical fight during the flight. The incident initially triggered fears of a hijacking, although Israeli officials later said it was not believed to be one.Passenger accounts described screams coming from the cockpit and blood inside the aircraft. Yasmin Abu Kasis said her daughter Miriam, who was aboard the flight, heard screaming and saw a man holding a knife force one of the pilots onto the floor.Israeli media also published a photograph purportedly taken inside the plane that appeared to show a passenger wearing a blood-soaked shirt. Reuters said it could not immediately verify the image.Flydubai said all passengers aboard FZ1073 were safe and accounted for after the aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia.- Ends