New Delhi, September 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A Flydubai aircraft carrying around 180 Israeli passengers made an emergency landing in northwestern Saudi Arabia after transmitting emergency signals, including a code associated with a possible hijacking, shortly after taking off from Dubai for Tel Aviv, according to media reports.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8, operating as flight FZ1073 from Dubai International Airport to Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, initially transmitted squawk code 7700, indicating a general emergency. It later switched to code 7500, an internationally recognised signal for unlawful interference, including a possible hijacking, NDTV reported.
The alerts reportedly prompted Israel to scramble military aircraft amid concerns that the flight may have been hijacked. The aircraft subsequently diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
However, reports attributed the emergency to an alleged violent altercation between the pilots rather than a hijacking. One pilot was reportedly stabbed with a folding knife by the other, prompting passengers and crew members to intervene and restrain the alleged attacker.
A passenger quoted in the reports said shouting was heard from the cockpit and blood was visible when the cockpit door was opened. She said passengers feared for their lives before helping crew members contain the situation.
The aircraft reportedly descended around 17,400 feet in approximately two minutes before transmitting its first emergency signal. Reports also suggested that the hijack alert may have been activated during the altercation.
All passengers and crew members were reported safe following the emergency landing.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he was monitoring the situation, adding that the incident was under control and efforts were underway to ensure the passengers’ safe return to Israel.
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