TEL AVIV: A Flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely at Tabuk Airport on Wednesday after issuing emergency signals during the flight.
According to Israeli security sources, the aircraft transmitted signals indicating “unlawful interference” as well as a general emergency. Preliminary reports said the incident was triggered by an alleged altercation between the two pilots on board.
Around 180 Israeli passengers were reportedly traveling on the flight.
Following the emergency signals, the Israeli Air Force raised its alert level and scrambled fighter jets as a precaution in case the situation developed into a wider emergency.
According to the Israeli military, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir held an assessment with senior military commanders to review the incident. The meeting was attended by Israeli Air Force chief Maj. Gen. Omer Tischler, Operations Directorate chief Maj. Gen. Itzik Cohen and Intelligence Directorate chief Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder.
The incident had earlier been linked to concerns over a possible hijacking. However, the available preliminary information indicates that the aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia.
Further details about the incident were not immediately available, and authorities are expected to provide additional information as the situation develops.
