Fistfight Between Pilots Triggered Hijack Alert on Dubai-Israel Flight

A Flydubai flight en route from Dubai to Israel experienced a significant security scare when a distress signal, initially interpreted as a hijacking alert, was activated. The incident, which occurred early Wednesday morning, is now believed to have been triggered by a physical altercation between the pilots in the cockpit. The flight, carrying approximately 100 Israeli passengers, was diverted and made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

Initial reports indicated a loss of contact with the aircraft over Jordanian airspace around 9:15 AM, with radar tracking disappearing briefly before reappearing. The plane then circled over Jordan before being rerouted to Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. The situation caused considerable alarm, given the nature of the distress signal.

However, subsequent information suggests the distress signal was not the result of a security threat like a hijacking, but rather a fight between the flight crew. The exact details of the altercation and how it led to the activation of the emergency button are still being investigated. The flight is expected to resume its journey after the situation is resolved.