Flydubai Flight Diverts to Saudi Arabia After Hijack Alert

TEL AVIV, Sept 30 : A Flydubai passenger flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after transmitting emergency signals, including a code indicating possible unlawful interference or hijacking, Israeli media reported.

The aircraft, carrying more than 150 passengers, reportedly changed course over Saudi Arabia and landed at Tabuk airport. Israeli authorities scrambled two fighter jets after the alert, according to reports.

Israeli security sources said there was no confirmed hijacking. The aircraft had reportedly transmitted a general emergency signal before briefly activating the internationally recognized 7500 code, which indicates unlawful interference or a possible hijacking.

Later reports indicated that the incident may have stemmed from an altercation between the pilots rather than a hijacking. The aircraft landed safely in Tabuk, where authorities were expected to investigate the circumstances and question the crew.

The incident prompted an urgent security consultation involving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, according to Israeli media.

The exact circumstances surrounding the emergency signals remain under investigation.