Tabuk, Saudi Arabia: A flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, 30 September 2026 after an incident involving the aircraft’s two pilots triggered emergency signals, including the international transponder code for possible unlawful interference, briefly raising fears of a hijacking.
Flydubai Flight FZ1073, operating from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV), was flying toward Israel when it diverted to Tabuk Airport (TUU) in northwestern Saudi Arabia. The aircraft was a Boeing 737 MAX, with flight-tracking records identifying the type as a 737 MAX 8.
The aircraft was scheduled to depart Dubai at about 06:45 UAE time and reach Tel Aviv at about 09:10 local time, according to flight-status data. The incident occurred roughly two and a half hours into the flight.
Flight-tracking data showed FZ1073 initially transmitting squawk 7700, the internationally recognised transponder code for a general emergency. Several minutes later, the aircraft transmitted 7500, the code used to indicate unlawful interference, including a possible hijacking. It later transmitted 7700 again before landing in Tabuk.
The 7500 transmission prompted an immediate security response in Israel. Israeli Air Force fighter jets were reportedly scrambled toward the aircraft as authorities initially considered the possibility that the aircraft had been hijacked. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also held consultations with senior security officials. Israeli military Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir conducted a situational assessment with the Air Force commander and other military officials.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office later said the incident was not believed to be a hijacking and that the situation was under control. It said efforts were being made to return the Israeli passengers safely to Israel.
An Israeli official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said the emergency signals were transmitted after the two pilots became involved in a physical altercation in the cockpit. Reuters reported that it was not immediately clear whether either pilot intentionally transmitted the emergency signal.
The Associated Press also reported, citing officials familiar with the incident, that a fight broke out in the cockpit and apparently involved the two pilots. The officials said the reason for the fight was not immediately known and spoke anonymously because the incident remained under investigation.
Reports said that passengers heard shouting toward the front of the aircraft and experienced what they described as a steep descent before the aircraft diverted to Saudi Arabia. Passengers told Israeli Channel 12 that Saudi security forces were heavily deployed around the aircraft after it landed.
Following the emergency, the Boeing 737 turned away from its route toward Tel Aviv while over the region and headed toward Saudi Arabia.
The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk, Flydubai confirmed that an incident had occurred but did not publicly disclose the nature of the confrontation or provide details about the pilots.
A flydubai spokesperson said, “Our teams are working closely with the relevant authorities. Further updates will be issued as additional confirmed details become available.”
The airline also said the “safety and well-being of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority” and confirmed that all passengers were safe and accounted for.
There have been no confirmed reports of passenger fatalities or injuries. Flydubai said all passengers were safe and accounted for. Reports of a pilot being injured during the cockpit confrontation remain unconfirmed.
Flydubai said it was working with the relevant authorities and would issue further information as confirmed details became available.
