Dubai-Tel Aviv Flight Diverted After Pilot Fight, Hijacking Fears Emerge
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- FlyDubai flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after pilot fight.
- Emergency signals initially suggested possible hijacking.
- Israeli Air Force scrambled jets in response.
- No terrorist threat confirmed by Israeli security.
- Passengers to be returned to Israel by military transport.
A FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv carrying over 150 passengers was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on September 30, following an altercation between pilots in the cockpit. The incident triggered an emergency signal, initially feared to be a hijacking, prompting the Israeli Air Force to scramble fighter jets. Israeli security services stated they had no information about a hijacking.
Flight tracking data indicated the aircraft transmitted code 7700, signifying a general emergency, and later, code 7500, which can indicate unlawful interference or hijacking. The plane experienced a rapid descent from approximately 34,000 feet to 14,000 feet. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz convened an urgent security meeting.
Initial reports suggested the distress signal was due to a fight on board. FlyDubai later confirmed a conflict between pilots led to the diversion, though the specific cause remains undisclosed. Some reports suggest one pilot involved was from Russia and the other from Ukraine, though this is unconfirmed.
While the airline stated there was no terrorist incident, Israeli sources are investigating multiple possibilities, including a suicide attempt or an intentional crash by one pilot. One passenger reported seeing blood in the cockpit and a wounded pilot, claiming Israeli passengers and crew subdued the aggressor. The Israeli military confirmed the incident was not linked to terrorism, and the country's airspace remained open.
El Al offered assistance, but Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz ordered military transport planes to Saudi Arabia to bring the passengers back to Israel. FlyDubai is arranging a replacement aircraft to collect the stranded passengers.
Read the original at NEWSru IsraelMentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.