Flydubai Flight to Tel Aviv Declares Emergency, Diverts to Saudi Arabia

A Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday, September 30, transmitted an international general emergency code (7700) before switching to a code indicating hijacking or unlawful interference (7500). Israeli Air Force fighter jets were dispatched to intercept the plane. However, the flight altered its course, appearing to head towards Saudi Arabia, according to N12. The aircraft then turned over Jordan, at which point communication was lost. At the time of lost contact, the plane was about 90 minutes from its scheduled landing in Israel and disappeared from FlightRadar, last seen at 5,000 feet when the final signal was transmitted. Initial reports indicated approximately 180 passengers on board, though the Boeing 737 MAX 8 typically seats around 150. Israeli security officials believe the plane will likely land in Saudi Arabia, citing its flight path and other verified parameters. They are also investigating any potential connection between the aircraft and Saudi authorities. The plane later established communication with Saudi entities prior to its presumed landing. The preliminary theory suggests a violent incident on board, possibly a fight between pilots, may have triggered the emergency codes, rather than an actual hijacking. The situation remains under investigation. In response to the alarming reports, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held an urgent meeting with Defense Minister Israel Katz and Transportation Minister Miri Regev. This incident follows a similar disruption the previous day, when an El Al flight from Tel Aviv to Miami returned to Israel due to a technical malfunction after six hours of flight.