Dubai-Israel Flight Diverted To Saudi Arabia After Distress Call, Hijacking Ruled Out
A Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv reportedly issued an emergency signal and changed course over Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, September 30, triggering a security response in Israel. The aircraft, operating as flydubai flight FZ1073, was flying from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv when it reportedly transmitted the international emergency code 7700, according to flight-tracking data cited by Israeli media. This is an internationally recognised code for hijacking, but Times of Israel said in an update that hijacking bid was ruled out.
The flight later landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
Reports claim that the emergency signal on the plane was activated during a violent altercation between the pilots in the cockpit, but the official reason for change of course and emergency signal is yet to be determined.
