A flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after a violent incident between the two pilots in the cockpit, prompting the aircraft to issue emergency codes and make an emergency landing at Tabuk airport.
Flydubai said all passengers and crew on board flight FZ 1073 were safe. The emergency signals initially raised fears of a hijacking, and Israeli fighter jets were reportedly put on alert. Officials later said the incident was not a hijacking.
What happened aboard flydubai flight FZ 1073
The flight was traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when a clash between the pilots led to its diversion and landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The aircraft’s emergency codes triggered concern that it may have been hijacked.
After the landing, officials said the incident was not a hijacking. Flydubai confirmed that everyone on board was safe.
Netanyahu urges caution over responsibility
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the pilot who attacked the other pilot may have intended to bring the aircraft down. He cautioned against reaching a conclusion too soon about who was responsible.
