A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after an alleged physical altercation between its pilots triggered emergency signals.
Flight FZ1073 was travelling toward Israel when it changed course over Jordanian airspace and headed toward northwestern Saudi Arabia. The Boeing 737 eventually landed safely at Tabuk Airport.
Emergency Signals Trigger Security Alert
According to flight-tracking data, the aircraft first transmitted a general emergency signal. It later sent another signal indicating possible unlawful interference, briefly raising concerns that the aircraft could have been hijacked.
The aircraft then transmitted another general emergency signal before landing at Tabuk. Israeli authorities responded by scrambling fighter jets after the emergency alert was received.
However, Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office said the incident was not believed to be a hijacking.
An Israeli official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, said the emergency signals were transmitted after the two pilots became involved in a physical confrontation. It remains unclear whether either pilot deliberately activated the emergency signals.
Passengers Report Disturbance Onboard
A passenger’s family member described a more serious scene. Yasmin Abu Kasis said her daughter, Miriam, heard screaming during the incident and reported seeing a man with a knife and blood inside the aircraft.
The passenger account has not been independently verified.
Flydubai confirmed that the aircraft experienced an “incident” while travelling to Tel Aviv. The airline said it diverted to Tabuk and landed safely, with all passengers and crew accounted for. It did not provide further details.
Israeli Officials Monitor Situation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held consultations after the emergency alert. Israeli military officials also conducted a situational assessment.
Efforts were underway to arrange the return of Israeli passengers from Saudi Arabia. The situation also drew attention because Israel and Saudi Arabia do not have formal diplomatic relations.
The cause of the cockpit confrontation and the circumstances surrounding the emergency signals remain under investigation.
