Dubai–Tel Aviv flydubai flight diverted to Saudi Arabia after emergency code; no hijack confirmed

Dubai: A flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Tabuk in northern Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after the aircraft transmitted emergency signals, briefly raising fears of a possible hijacking. The plane, carrying more than 150 passengers, landed safely.

Flight FZ1073, a Boeing 737 MAX operating from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport, changed course over northern Saudi Arabia. Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft squawking 7700, the international code for a general emergency, with some reports indicating it briefly also transmitted 7500, the code for unlawful interference or hijack.

Israeli fighter jets were scrambled towards the aircraft following the alert, according to local reports. The plane was last tracked near Tabuk before landing at Tabuk Airport, where all passengers and crew were reported safe and accounted for, flydubai said.

“Our teams are working closely with the relevant authorities. Further updates will be issued as additional confirmed details become available,” an airline spokesperson said, adding that passenger and crew safety remained its top priority.

While the emergency codes initially triggered hijack concerns, officials later said the incident was not believed to be a hijacking. Subsequent media reports, citing unnamed sources, suggested the diversion may have followed an altercation between the two pilots, described by an Israeli official as an internal personnel matter. Flydubai and aviation authorities have not independently confirmed those details, and an investigation into the circumstances is expected.