FlyDubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia after transmitting emergency signals following an alleged fight between pilots. The incident prompted Israeli and Saudi fighter jets to scramble.
Emergency codes and reports
According to flight trackers, the flight briefly squawked a 7700 code, the international code for general emergencies, and later the 7500 code, indicating a possibly unlawful disruption on board and prompting fears of a hijacking.
A senior Israeli official told N12 that "indications" were growing that the co-pilot may have attempted to take control of the aircraft and crash it with the passengers. The official said the co-pilot was being questioned.
Passenger accounts
Reports and passenger accounts describe a violent altercation involving an alleged stabbing attempt in the cockpit. One passenger told Israel's Channel 12 that a pilot had been "stabbed" and the aircraft began to "plummet", while claiming people on board had blood on their shirts.
Israeli passengers reportedly intervened during the cockpit struggle, subduing and pinning the "attacker" to the floor after hearing screams and experiencing a steep descent.
Safe landing and response
The aircraft landed safely at Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia with around 150 passengers on board. FlyDubai confirmed all passengers and crew were safe and accounted for.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that the situation was "under control." An Israeli official told CNN that the incident was not a hijacking and was understood to be an internal personnel incident on board.
