FlyDubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Israel activated an emergency hijacking code, prompting Israeli fighter jets to be scrambled. The aircraft, carrying approximately 150 passengers, triggered the 7500 alert code and was tracked heading towards Saudi Arabia before disappearing from flight radar.
Emergency codes and diversion
Flight-tracking data indicated that the Boeing 737 MAX 8 initially broadcast code 7700, signalling a general emergency, before briefly switching to 7500, the code associated with a potential hijacking. The aircraft subsequently reverted to code 7700 and was tracked descending near Tabuk in Saudi Arabia, though the cause of the emergency remains unknown.
The Times of Israel reported that the FlyDubai flight reversed course over Saudi Arabia after transmitting the emergency signal. The aircraft purportedly touched down at Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz International Airport, located near Tabuk in northern Saudi Arabia.
Security response and pilot dispute claim
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz are understood to be in urgent security talks following the incident. No confirmation of an actual hijacking has yet been issued.
Israeli journalist Hillel Biton Rosen suggested that a dispute between the pilots may have been the catalyst behind the emergency. Writing on Telegram, he stated that the incident was "apparently" linked to a fight between the pilots.
Flight data and next steps
Flightradar24 reported that flight data from FlyDubai FZ1073 revealed dramatic variations in altitude moments before the aircraft switched its squawk code to 7700. Calculated vertical speeds fluctuated from approximately 30,000ft per minute downwards to 10,000ft per minute upwards. By comparison, Flightradar24 explained that vertical speeds during routine operations seldom surpass roughly 4,000ft per minute in either direction.
According to journalist Michael A. Horowitz, the flight was prohibited from entering Israeli airspace following the activation of emergency codes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office stated the situation is under control and authorities are working to bring the passengers home.
