Jerusalem, September 30 (TNA) A Flydubai passenger flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv sent an emergency signal on Wednesday, triggering fears of a possible hijacking and prompting the Israeli Air Force to scramble fighter jets.
The aircraft, carrying more than 150 passengers, reportedly transmitted a code associated with unlawful interference while flying over the region. The exact reason for the alert has not been officially confirmed.
Flight Diverted Towards Saudi Arabia
The flight changed course after crossing into Jordanian airspace and was reportedly diverted towards Saudi Arabia. Sources said the aircraft was expected to make an emergency landing there. Israeli officials said there was no confirmed information that the aircraft had actually been hijacked. A security source indicated that the pilot had activated a distress signal, but the circumstances behind the alert remained unclear.
Emergency Security MeetingTwo Israeli Air Force fighter jets were scrambled in response to the alert and were reported to have escorted the aircraft. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz convened an urgent security consultation with senior defence officials.
Authorities and the airline were investigating the incident. Early flight-tracking data showed the aircraft transmitting an emergency code before changing altitude and altering its route, although some reports suggested that a technical problem could also have triggered the alert.
The situation remained under investigation, and officials had not confirmed whether the incident involved a genuine hijacking attempt.