Flydubai flight incident: What we know about the pilot under investigation
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A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv carrying around 180 people landed at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after transmitting emergency signals that triggered a reported hijack scare.
The aircraft initially transmitted squawk code 7700, the international transponder code for a general emergency, before sending code 7500, which indicates hijacking or unlawful interference, according to flight-tracking data cited by The Times of Israel. The aircraft subsequently turned around while flying over Saudi Arabia and was diverted to Tabuk, where it landed safely.
The incident that prompted the emergency signals was apparently an altercation between the pilots aboard the aircraft, according to Israeli security sources cited by The Times of Israel. The report said a hijacking was subsequently ruled out.
The 7500 signal prompted Israeli Air Force fighter jets to scramble towards the aircraft, according to Israeli security sources cited by the publication. The aircraft also briefly disappeared from flight-tracking websites after transmitting the emergency signals, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the incident.
Netanyahu, military officials hold consultations
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held consultations with security officials after the flight was diverted, three Israeli security officials told Reuters. An Israeli source had earlier said the situation would become clearer once the aircraft landed in Saudi Arabia.
