Flydubai Pilots Fought, Triggering False Hijacking Alert

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv transmitted an emergency code, followed by a hijacking code, causing alarm and prompting the scramble of Israeli Air Force jets. No communication was established with the pilots during the incident. Following an urgent security consultation in Israel, it was revealed that the hijacking code was activated after a dispute between the pilots. The aircraft, carrying approximately 180 passengers, landed in Saudi Arabia, where passengers remain on board. Aviation expert Dr. Uzi Freund-Feinstein noted that such incidents are rare, especially with major airlines, typically occurring with smaller carriers in developing nations. He stated that the pilots face serious consequences, including potential dismissal, loss of their flight licenses, and possible imprisonment, particularly in Dubai. The incident has created significant logistical problems for Flydubai, requiring a replacement crew to be sent to Saudi Arabia. Passengers are not currently considered to be in danger and may be kept on the plane to avoid interaction with Saudi authorities. This event follows a similar false alarm in late June involving a flight from Vienna, which was attributed to human error. However, the alert from Dubai caused heightened concern in Israel, especially given the current security advisory from the Shin Bet prohibiting Israeli airlines from flying to the UAE until late October due to security risks.