New Delhi. A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was caught in a serious mid-air incident on Wednesday after the aircraft transmitted an emergency code followed by a hijack signal. The incident prompted Israeli security agencies to go on alert and fighter jets were scrambled to monitor the aircraft. The plane was diverted from its scheduled route and landed safely at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia. Around 180 people were onboard.
Flight FZ1073 had departed from Dubai and was heading towards Ben Gurion Airport when it transmitted the international emergency squawk code 7700. It was followed by code 7500, which is used to indicate a hijacking or unlawful interference involving an aircraft. The plane was subsequently diverted towards Tabuk. Saudi security forces surrounded the aircraft after it landed.
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The exact cause and sequence of events remain under official investigation. Initial reports claimed that an altercation broke out between the two pilots inside the cockpit. Some Israeli reports, citing passengers, said one pilot allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft and was stopped by the second pilot. These claims have not been independently verified.
Other reports claimed that one of the pilots may have attempted suicide and allegedly tried to force the aircraft into a rapid descent. The second pilot reportedly intervened. Flight-tracking data also showed unusual changes in the aircraft’s altitude. According to reports, its vertical speed fluctuated from around minus 30,000 feet per minute to plus 10,000 feet per minute at different points during the incident.
The aircraft briefly climbed to around 21,650 feet before descending below 14,000 feet. It later stabilised at approximately 15,000 feet for an extended period. Concerns among Israeli authorities increased after they initially had difficulty establishing contact with the aircraft, prompting the deployment of fighter jets.
During the incident, Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office and senior military officials held consultations over the situation. The Prime Minister’s Office later said the situation was under control and that necessary steps were being taken to ensure the safe return of Israeli passengers.
Passengers also described moments of panic onboard. According to some accounts, shouting was heard near the cockpit and the aircraft appeared to make a steep descent. Some passengers reportedly said they saw blood inside the cockpit and claimed that one pilot had been injured or stabbed. There were also claims that passengers helped crew members restrain an attacker. These accounts have not been independently confirmed.
Flydubai confirmed that flight FZ1073 had experienced an incident and landed safely in Tabuk. The airline said all passengers were safe and accounted for. It added that it was working with the relevant authorities as the incident was investigated.
It remains unclear exactly what happened inside the cockpit, under what circumstances the emergency codes were activated, and what caused the unusual changes in the aircraft’s altitude. A clearer picture of the incident is expected to emerge once the official investigation is completed.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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