An Emergency Over Saudi Arabia
On September 30, 2026, Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv issued an emergency signal and diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate a serious altercation occurred between the two pilots in the cockpit, effectively incapacitating the crew
and leading to a rapid descent before control was regained. Passengers reported hearing shouting before the plane dipped steeply. While investigations are ongoing, the incident, which initially triggered hijacking fears and caused Israeli fighter jets to scramble, ended with a safe landing for all 180 passengers. This real-world crisis serves as a stark reminder of why robust incapacitation procedures are not just theoretical, but essential.
The First Line of Defence: Two Pilots
Commercial airliners are always staffed with at least two highly qualified pilots: a Captain and a First Officer. This isn't just for sharing the workload; it’s a core safety principle. One pilot is designated the 'Pilot Flying' (PF), who actively controls the aircraft, while the other is the 'Pilot Monitoring' (PM), who handles communications, navigations, and checklists, all while cross-checking the actions of the PF. This constant monitoring is crucial for catching errors, but it's also the first step in recognizing if a fellow pilot is unwell or not responding correctly. Subtle incapacitation, where a pilot is conscious but impaired, can be just as dangerous as a sudden collapse, and the two-pilot system is designed to detect these subtle changes.
Taking Control: The Incapacitation Checklist
The moment one pilot recognizes the other is incapacitated, a specific and well-rehearsed checklist begins. The first step is for the remaining pilot to assert control by loudly stating, "I have control." Their immediate priority is to fly the aircraft and maintain a stable flight path. They will then engage the autopilot to reduce their workload, freeing them up to manage the emergency. The next crucial step is to secure the incapacitated pilot. This involves sliding their seat back and locking their harness to ensure they cannot slump forward and interfere with the controls. Cabin crew are called in to assist with this and to provide any possible first aid.
‘Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan, Pan-Pan’
With the aircraft secure, the pilot communicates the situation to Air Traffic Control (ATC). While many people know the distress call "Mayday," a pilot incapacitation is typically classified as an "urgency." For this, pilots use the phrase "Pan-Pan," repeated three times. Derived from the French word 'panne' (meaning breakdown), a Pan-Pan call signals an urgent situation that is not, at that moment, a life-threatening emergency, but requires priority attention. This call ensures the pilot gets priority handling from ATC, who can clear airspace, suggest the nearest suitable airport for an emergency landing, and coordinate with emergency services on the ground. A situation that begins as a Pan-Pan can be upgraded to a Mayday if circumstances worsen.
Training for the Unthinkable
Pilots don't just learn these procedures from a manual; they practice them repeatedly. A core part of recurrent pilot training involves spending time in full-motion flight simulators. These sessions are where pilots are put through a range of emergency scenarios, including engine failures, fires, and pilot incapacitation. This regular, hands-on training builds muscle memory and ensures that if the unthinkable happens in the real world, the pilot's response is swift, effective, and follows established best practices. This training is a key reason why single pilots can, and do, safely land large airliners after an incapacitation event.
