The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
‘Distressing events’: Flydubai's 12-day-late email skips pilot's attempt to crash plane
Nearly two weeks after 174 passengers survived an attempted hijacking by one of its pilots, flydubai described their ordeal as ‘distressing,’ highlighted its replacement flight and offered support contacts, without mentioning the attack or compensation; one passenger called the response ‘a disgrace’
A Flydubai flight crew faced a dangerous incident when a pilot attempted to hijack and crash the aircraft, leaving 174 passengers surviving the ordeal. Authorities in the UAE described the hijacker as intending to crash the plane at Ben Gurion Airport.
On the 12th day after the incident, Flydubai finally sent emails to passengers on flight FZ 1073. The message acknowledged the events as distressing but did not reference the attempted hijacking, the pilot, or the danger faced by passengers.
The email emphasized that passengers arrived safely in Tel Aviv aboard a replacement aircraft and offered contact channels for questions or concerns. It did not mention any financial compensation or compensation plans for those aboard.
Passengers were directed to a dedicated contact address, families@flydubai.com, and were offered access to independent professional support if needed. The message framed Flydubai’s response around safety, well-being, and assistance rather than detailing the incident itself.
Reaction to the timing and content of the email was critical from at least one survivor, who said the airline failed to address what happened on board and suggested the message may have been shaped by legal considerations.