Tel Aviv, September 30 (TNA) A Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after a violent altercation reportedly broke out between the pilot and co-pilot inside the cockpit. The incident triggered emergency signals, including the international code used to indicate a possible hijacking, leading to a major security alert in the region.
The Boeing 737-8, operating as Flydubai flight FZ1073, was carrying more than 170 passengers and crew members from Dubai International Airport to Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv. Flydubai later confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and that all passengers were accounted for.
Emergency Code Activated
According to flight-tracking data and reports from Israeli media, the aircraft first transmitted squawk code 7700, which indicates a general emergency. A few minutes later, it reportedly transmitted code 7500, internationally associated with unlawful interference or a possible hijacking.
The activation of the second code prompted Israeli authorities to treat the incident as a potential hijacking. Israeli Air Force fighter jets were scrambled as the aircraft changed course and moved away from its planned route to Tel Aviv.
Pilots Reportedly Fought
Initial reports said the emergency was linked to a physical confrontation between the two pilots in the cockpit. Some reports alleged that one pilot attacked the other with a folding knife, causing stab wounds. However, officials had not publicly confirmed the complete sequence of events or the precise cause of the confrontation.
Passenger accounts described screams and panic inside the aircraft. Some passengers reportedly saw one of the pilots injured and bleeding after the cockpit door opened. Other accounts described a violent fight but differed on how the stabbing occurred.
Aircraft Dropped Sharply
During the incident, the aircraft reportedly descended sharply from around 34,000 feet to approximately 17,000 feet before stabilising. Flight-tracking reports indicated that the plane lost more than 17,000 feet in a short period, adding to passengers’ concerns.
The aircraft subsequently turned towards Saudi Arabia instead of continuing to Israel. Two Israeli fighter jets reportedly followed or escorted the plane while the security situation was assessed.
Safe Landing in Saudi Arabia
The flight landed safely at Tabuk Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia at around 9:45 am local time, according to reports. Passengers and crew members were safe and accounted for, while the injured pilot was taken for medical attention.
Israeli officials later indicated that the incident was not being treated as a confirmed hijacking and that the emergency resulted from an altercation between the pilots. The exact motive behind the fight and the circumstances surrounding the alleged stabbing remain under investigation.
Flydubai said flight FZ1073 had experienced an incident while en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv and confirmed its safe landing at Tabuk. Saudi and Israeli authorities are expected to investigate the cockpit confrontation and the activation of the emergency and hijack-related codes.