Emergency and unlawful-interference signals triggered Israeli fighter-jet response; authorities later said the incident was not a hijacking
Tel Aviv,
A Flydubai passenger flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday after a serious incident on board involving the pilots. The incident initially triggered fears of a possible hijacking and prompted Israel to scramble fighter jets. However, Israeli security officials later said the aircraft was not hijacked and that the emergency was apparently linked to a physical altercation between the pilots.
The aircraft, Flydubai Flight FZ1073, was operating from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport when it transmitted emergency signals while over the region. Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft making a sharp descent before diverting towards Saudi Arabia.
According to Israeli media reports, the pilots became involved in a physical confrontation inside the cockpit. Israeli officials said the incident resulted in emergency signals being transmitted from the aircraft. Initial reports suggested that one of the pilots may have attempted to take control of the aircraft, although details surrounding the confrontation remain under investigation.
The aircraft subsequently landed safely at Tabuk Airport, and Flydubai confirmed that all passengers and crew were safe and accounted for. The airline said it was working with the relevant authorities and would provide further confirmed information.
Aircraft made a sharp descent
Flight-tracking data indicated that the aircraft experienced a significant loss of altitude during the incident. Reuters reported that the plane descended by nearly 14,000 feet in around 30 seconds. The aircraft later stabilised and was diverted to Tabuk.
The emergency signals also caused concern among Israeli authorities because one of the codes transmitted from the aircraft indicated possible unlawful interference, a signal commonly associated with a hijacking situation. Israeli fighter aircraft were consequently scrambled to assess the situation.
Reports of passenger intervention
Israeli media and passenger accounts have reported that members of the crew and some passengers intervened during the confrontation. There have also been unverified reports of injuries and blood inside the aircraft. Allegations that one pilot was stabbed or deliberately attempted to crash the aircraft have not been independently confirmed.
Following the safe landing, Israeli authorities said the situation was under control. The exact cause of the cockpit confrontation and the circumstances that led to the aircraft's rapid descent remain subject to investigation.
