A Flydubai aircraft sent a possible hijacking signal — Israel scrambled fighter jets
Kyiv • UNN
A Flydubai aircraft sent distress and possible hijacking signals, after which Israel scrambled fighter jets. The flight landed in Tabuk.
A Flydubai passenger aircraft operating a flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv issued an emergency signal and a possible hijacking signal while flying over Saudi Arabia. Israel scrambled fighter jets. This was reported by the Times of Israel, UNN writes.
Details
The aircraft initially transmitted code 7700. This is the international emergency signal. Flight-tracking data indicates this.
Shortly afterward, the flight transmitted code 7500. It indicates a hijacking or unlawful interference.
According to sources in the security services, Israeli Air Force fighter jets were scrambled to the aircraft. There are currently no other details about the incident.
"The aircraft, which was traveling from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv, was diverted to Saudi Arabia. There are concerns about a possible hijacking of the aircraft," Israeli journalist Amit Segal said.
It is reported that approximately 180 passengers are on board.
It later became known that the Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, whose crew had issued an emergency signal, landed at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
According to Israeli security sources, the cause of the incident—which led to the transmission of an "unlawful interference" signal and a general emergency signal—was likely a conflict between the pilots on board.
There are currently no additional details.