Flydubai Flight to Israel Makes Emergency Landing in Saudi Arabia Amid Hijacking Fears

A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday morning after transmitting distress signals and a code indicating a suspected hijacking. The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers including 27 children, landed safely, and all passengers are reported to be secure, according to the airline.

Israeli authorities are investigating the incident's circumstances, including the possibility of a security motive. Reports suggest a violent altercation occurred in the cockpit during the flight. One passenger described an incident where a pilot was allegedly stabbed with a knife, and Israeli passengers and crew members intervened to subdue the attacker. Another report, which remains unconfirmed, indicated that one pilot may have attempted to crash the plane, with the other pilot and passengers preventing it.

The flight, FZ1073, departed Dubai at 7:05 AM and was scheduled to land in Tel Aviv around 9:30 AM. During the flight, the aircraft initially broadcasted a "7700" code, signifying a general emergency, followed by a "7500" code, which indicates an unlawful interference with a flight, such as a hijacking. The plane altered its course and subsequently diverted to Saudi Arabia. Flight tracking data showed a rapid descent from approximately 34,000 feet to 14,000 feet within minutes.

The suspected hijacking prompted a significant security response in Israel, including the scrambling of fighter jets. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz held consultations regarding the event. The IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, conducted a situation assessment with senior military officials, and the national police control center was activated.

A passenger named Miriam recounted the experience to i24NEWS, describing screams, blood in the cockpit, and a feeling that the plane was about to crash. She stated that passengers helped the crew subdue the attacker and that medical personnel on board provided initial treatment to the injured pilot. Flydubai confirmed the incident but did not specify its nature, stating only that the flight experienced a "disruption" and that it is cooperating with authorities. The airline announced it would send another aircraft to Tabuk to bring the passengers to Israel.