Flydubai Flight Hijack Alert: What Happened on Dubai-Tel Aviv Route

By Thetripurapost Desk, Tel Aviv
Sep 30, 2026
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A Flydubai passenger aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv triggered an international security alert after transmitting emergency codes associated with a possible hijacking, prompting Israeli authorities to scramble fighter jets and closely monitor the flight.

The aircraft initially transmitted squawk code 7700, which is used to indicate a general emergency. It was subsequently reported to have transmitted 7500, the internationally recognized transponder code for a suspected hijacking or unlawful interference.

The incident triggered an immediate security response as authorities attempted to determine whether the aircraft had actually been taken over.

Flydubai Plane Diverts and Lands in Saudi Arabia

The aircraft eventually changed its planned route and landed at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.

The flight was reportedly carrying around 180 passengers, including more than 150 Israeli citizens. The unexpected diversion raised concerns among security agencies while authorities worked to establish what had happened inside the aircraft.

Israeli fighter jets were reportedly dispatched after the emergency signal was detected.

However, subsequent reports indicated that the aircraft had not been hijacked.

Pilot Dispute Reportedly Behind Emergency Signal

According to Israeli sources cited in reports, the emergency situation was linked to a confrontation between the two pilots rather than an actual hijacking.

CNN separately reported that a physical altercation had taken place between the pilots while the aircraft was in flight. The precise circumstances surrounding the confrontation, however, have not yet been publicly established.

The transmission of the hijack-related code consequently created a major security concern despite the aircraft apparently remaining under the control of its crew.

Flight Tracker Shows Major Altitude Change

Flight-tracking information provided another indication of the unusual circumstances surrounding the journey.

According to tracking data, the aircraft moved away from its scheduled flight path after reaching Saudi Arabian airspace. The plane also reportedly experienced a substantial reduction in altitude.

The aircraft was tracked descending from approximately 34,000 feet to 16,600 feet in around two minutes.

About 12 minutes later, an emergency signal was reportedly transmitted. Flight-tracking websites also temporarily lost the aircraft's normal tracking status, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the flight.

Israel Activates Security Response

The hijack alert prompted Israeli security agencies to respond immediately.

Hebrew-language media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz held emergency discussions following the alert. Authorities sought information about the aircraft, its crew and the condition of the passengers.

Israeli Air Force fighter aircraft were also reportedly sent to monitor the Flydubai plane and assess the situation.

The response reflected the seriousness with which the hijack-related transponder code was treated before officials could establish the actual circumstances.

Investigation Underway Into Pilot Altercation

The exact cause of the reported dispute between the two pilots remains unclear.

Authorities are expected to examine the cockpit incident, the emergency communications, the aircraft's change in altitude and its subsequent diversion to Saudi Arabia as part of the investigation.

After the aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport, officials were able to obtain further information from the crew and passengers.

At this stage, available reports indicate that the Flydubai flight was not hijacked, while the reported confrontation between the pilots remains the central issue requiring further investigation.

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